The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance recognizes that workforce is a critical component to our existing industry and also plays a major role in attracting new companies to our region. In the past 36 months alone we have added nearly 1,100 jobs in the area, which heightens an already critical needed for high quality workforce development and education program. Workforce development will continue to be a top priority for the Growth Alliance and we are focused on educating and growing our workforce from both within the area as well as from outside sources to facilitate the continued growth and success of the Fort Dodge region.

Area employers will have many great opportunities in the upcoming weeks to take advantage of some workforce development and training events. On Wednesday, Spherion, Mid Iowa Growth Partnership and the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance have partnered to bring The Emerging Workforce program. This event will help employers analyze the impact of social and economic trends on the American workforce. It will also offer deep insights into the Millennial generation, which can help employers build a powerful workforce full of engaged, productive and positive advocates for their brand.

On Oct. 14, approximately 1,500 area high school students will attend the annual Career Day hosted at Iowa Central Community College. The theme of this year’s Career Day is “The Game of Life” and the event is designed to be an interactive day for students to learn more about the various career opportunities available from local business professionals.

Students from Fort Dodge Senior High, St. Edmond High School and Southeast Valley High School will have the opportunity to interact with a wide variety of industry professionals to expand their knowledge of future career opportunities as well as learn other soft skills for future success, such as social media etiquette and job interview preparation techniques. Students will also hear from keynote speaker Jeremy Bout, who passionately takes on topics such as challenging perceptions and also spotlights amazing careers and people who are impacting lives.

On Oct. 20, the Growth Alliance’s Employers’ Network program will feature a speaker from Iowa State University’s Center for Industrial Research and Service. Jeff Mohr has been with CIRAS since 1998 where he has focused his efforts on training, facilitating and coaching the continuous improvement efforts of Iowa manufacturers. During this session, Mohr will teach attendees about the basics of company culture, different levels of problem solving, the role of visual management, and the importance and different types of employee coaching.

On Nov. 10, area industry professionals along with representatives from the Growth Alliance, Iowa Central Community College, Fort Dodge Senior High, St. Edmond Catholic School and Southeast Valley will be gathering for the Engaging Educators and Employers event at Iowa Central’s East Campus. This event is designed to bring our schools and our business industries together to discuss our community’s current and future workforce needs. This discussion will enable better planning of new training programs that will support our existing industries as well as help prepare for any new industry to the region.

The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance is proud of the collaboration of our members and partners on these workforce and employee development events. By working together, we strengthen the entire region and continue to position ourselves for future economic growth and success. We hope you will mark your calendars and plan to attend one or more of these great workforce development events. For more information or to register for these upcoming events, visit www.greaterfortdodge.com or contact the Growth Alliance at 955-5500.

Dennis Plautz is chief executive officer of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance.