Iowa Report Stresses Need for Educated Workers

Date: November 18, 2015

Two-thirds of jobs in state to require more than a high-school diploma, study says.

The future of Iowa’s workforce will become increasingly dependent on employees with postsecondary education or training, according to a new report.

By 2025, 68 percent of jobs—just over two-thirds—in Iowa will require postsecondary education or training. That’s 3 percentage points above the national average.

That’s among the key takeaways from the report, Iowa: Education and Workforce Trends through 2025, from Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce in collaboration with the Iowa Department of Education.

“A key driver is the growing need for workers in healthcare, education, management, STEM, and other high-skill occupations,” the report states. “Businesses that relocate to or expand in Iowa will also require an educated workforce.”  

Iowa will add nearly 250,000 net new jobs from 2010 to 2025, estimates the report, and newly created jobs are more likely to be in high-skill occupations. The two industries that will contribute the most to that job growth are healthcare and social assistance, and finance and insurance.

The report recommends that Iowa set a goal of having 68 percent of the workforce achieve a postsecondary degree, certification or credential by 2025.


Related Content: Small Business News | Economy | Iowa

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