Supervisors hear from new Workforce Development director

     Liz Rodriguez, executive director of the East Central Iowa Workforce Development, met with the Jones County Supervisors via Zoom to introduce her program.

   Jones County is the Employer of Record for Workforce Development. Supervisor Joe Oswald sits on the board of directors, whose titles are referred to as “CEOs.”

   The East Central region is comprised of seven counties: Jones, Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Linn, and Washington.

   There are also leaders from business, labor, economic development, government, public assistance, education, youth, community-based organization members who form the LWDB (Local Workforce Development Boards).

   Rodriguez was hired for the role five weeks ago, having come from Mississippi Valley Workforce Development.

   One of her goals is to meet with all of the CEOs in her seven counties, which is why she addressed the board of supervisors.

   “I want to listen to the CEOs and help guide the board and help the counties with their unique workforce needs,” she said. “Are we meeting your needs? What do you need help with?”

   Rodriguez said in addition to the CEOs (who are elected officials) she could also use three additional board members from outside of Linn County.

   “Most of our board is from Linn County, except one from Benton County,” she noted.

   Rodriguez said she is dedicated to ensuring that the Workforce Development funds are “being spent in a compliant way.”

   Supervisor John Schlarmann asked what age range Workforce Development works with.

   “All ages,” offered Rodriguez.

   She said they work with youth, ages 16-23 to find employment, as well as adults who have not completed their GED. She also helps adult dislocated workers find jobs.

   “Is there a specific age group in your county we’re not hitting?” she asked of the supervisors.

   Schlarmann said every week when he gets the Monticello Express newspaper, he sees so help-wanted ads.

   “It’s a tough time to find help,” he said. “I’m not sure about the work ethics. It’s hard to get services if they can’t find the help to do those services.”

   “It’s a very common issue,” said Rodriguez. “There’s a lack of a qualified workforce.”

   She offered to reach out to Jones County Economic Development to see about specific workforce needs in Jones County.

   Rodriguez also offered that apprenticeships are great to introduce young people to a profession within the community.