Opportunity Dubuque continues to make a significant impact by equipping individuals with the skills and credentials that meet the region’s workforce demands. Through a strategic partnership between Greater Dubuque Development’s Dubuque Works collaborative and Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC), Opportunity Dubuque provides tuition and coaching support for targeted skills training in high-demand industries. This program’s success is driven by its ability to align training programs with the region's specific needs, based on the annual Greater Dubuque Skills Gap Analysis and validated through business visits conducted by Greater Dubuque Development.
The following certificate training programs are supported:
From July 2023 through June 2024, Opportunity Dubuque achieved notable results. According to the recently released year-end report, 287 participants were enrolled, with 189 completions. Of those graduates, 89% have either secured employment or continued their education. These results underscore Opportunity Dubuque’s role in both workforce preparation and regional economic growth. Thanks to the support of the City of Dubuque, Dubuque County, and the DRA, Dubuque Works provided tuition assistance to 38 participants this year, ensuring that financial barriers did not stand in the way of gaining career-track employment in the region.
Since its launch in 2011, Opportunity Dubuque has grown into an essential resource for both individuals and businesses. The program has enrolled 3,916 individuals and completed training for 3,286 participants, achieving an impressive 93% long-term employment or continued education rate. By offering targeted training in key sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics, Opportunity Dubuque continues to address critical workforce shortages and bolster the region’s economic resilience.
Hear firsthand how this program empowers individuals to advance their careers: