Workforce

Jasper County is home to a large skilled workforce known for being hard working, highly skilled and educated. Due to our adjacency to the Des Moines metro, we have a large laborshed to recruit from.

According to a recent laborshed analysis by Iowa Workforce Development, the total potential labor force from within the area where Jasper County currently draws employees is over 226,000. The county's labor force totals 20,630.

What makes Jasper County’s workforce stand out?

They are self-reliant.

Our workforce takes the approach that anything is possible. In Jasper County, we know how to figure things out and get them done. For employers, this can be a significant advantage. Instead of hand-holding employees, it is possible to assign a task, provide basic training, and expect that employees will get it done.

Making things happen is what Jasper County is all about.

How easy is it to recruit workers in Jasper County?

Very easy. Much of our workforce currently commutes outside of the county for work. This creates an incredible opportunity for Jasper County businesses to recruit the best and brightest who would like to work closer to home. In addition, Des Moines Community College has a campus in Jasper County where workers receive the training necessary to advance their skills. This creates a ready pool of talent for area businesses.

DMACC’s Jasper County Career Academy

Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) opened the Jasper County Career Academy on its Newton Campus in 2009. The Career Academy provides high school students the opportunity to earn both high school and college credit for courses taken through the program. The program was created in partnership with participating school districts in Jasper County, including; Baxter, Colfax-Mingo, Lynnville-Sully, Newton, and Prairie City Monroe. School districts outside of Jasper County are also welcome to participate in the Career Academy programs.

Programs available through DMACC’s Jasper County Career Academy:

Auto Collision
Building Trades/Finish Carpentry
Business Administration
Certified Nurse Aide Training
Criminal Justice
Culinary Arts
Health Occupations
Human Services
Teacher Academy
Welding

Click here to learn more about DMACC’s Jasper County Career Academy.

Higher Education

Jasper County is home to a highly skilled and educated workforce, in part, because of our regional education opportunities. Locally, we have several campuses of...

Workforce Programs

Jasper County offers a variety of workforce programs for existing businesses and those looking to locate within the county. Some of them begin at the...