Workforce Solutions

Few issues are more important to the vitality and economic growth of the Quad Cities than the availability of a skilled and professional workforce. A talented, educated workforce leads to greater employment opportunities for residents, retention and expansion of local companies, attraction of new businesses, and enhanced quality of life for all.  

DavenportOne and the Quad City Chamber of Commerce Federation have taken a multi-pronged approach to addressing our region’s workforce attraction and retention needs. In addition to supporting community-wide initiatives such as Achieve Quad Cities to improve graduation rates and equip students with workplace skills and experiences we’ve developed several tools to directly assist employers in finding, recruiting and retaining talented employees.

DavenportOne Internship Resource Guide >>

Employer Resource Directory >> coming soon


Workforce News & Events

Nominate a Student for Business Horizons 2009
Applications Now Being Accepted
Business Horizons is a week-long business experience for high school students looking to gain an understanding of economics, the free enterprise system, entrepreneurship, and about career options they never knew existed.

Participants will work in a team environment with diverse personalities to create a product from junk and duct tape, run a mock business, develop a marketing plan and present that plan to potential investors. Students will improve their leadership skills while living on a college campus, meeting new friends from across Iowa and having lots of fun.

If you know an exceptional high school student who should be a candidate to attend Business Horizons, nominate him/her by filling out the online nomination form. Student applications are due by May 15.

For more information on the program, including associated costs, visit www.businesshorizonsiowa.com.

Business Horizons 2009
July 26-31, 2009
Simpson College, Indianola, Ia. 
 
Nominate a Student >>

Student Application >> 

Augustana Business Day Scheduled for April 23
Businesses Connect with Area Students

For over 30 years, Augustana College has been connecting students to the surrounding business community through their annual Business Day. Students have the opportunity to learn more about organizational leadership, management, marketing, finance, etc. in a real-world business setting.

Area employers are encouraged to host one or more students for either a half day or full day to orient students on what it's like to work in your profession and industry. There is no set agenda for what must be covered during your time with the student; some companies have the student job shadow while others give presentations and answer the student's questions.
 
Business Advantages:

• Meet qualified interns and soon-to-be graduates
• Generate interest in your company, industry and profession
• Enhance your teaching and mentoring skills
• Inspire tomorrow's business leaders

Thursday, April 23
Kick-Off Breakfast: 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Location: Augustana Carver Center, Rock Island
 
Companies will meet up with the students at the kick-off breakfast where Doug Hultquist, chair of Quad City Bank & Trust, will deliver the keynote speaker presentation. Immediately following the kick-off breakfast, students and company representatives head back to the office to begin job shadowing.

If you are interested in hosting a student(s), click here for more information.

Ninth Annual Virtual Career Fair

Western Illinois University Career Services Office invites you to participate in the Ninth Annual Virtual Career Fair, which will run March 9 - June 30, 2009.

The Virtual Career Fair has proven to be beneficial and rewarding to both the employer participants and the graduating students of the University and many Alumni who will be seeking internships, full-time career entry jobs, and for the professional person considering a new career. Last year, there was in excess of 10,000 positions viewed by the various publics. This year's VCF is expected to draw a larger population which will hopefully identify entry workers and seasoned professionals.

To sign up for the virtual fair or if you have questions concerning the VCF, contact Al Waters, Director, Career Services, Western Illinois University at 309-298-1838 or aa-waters@wiu.edu .

Developing Workers for the Skilled Trades

By 2012, demand in fields like welding is expected to exceed supply. The United States has a shortage in skilled workers and the situation is only going to get worse.

The Junior Achievement High School Trade & Technical Careers Expo increases awareness of local opportunities. During the expo students will:

• Learn about the demand for skilled tradesmen in the Quad Cities and surrounding communities

• Gather information about the education and training required for a variety of trades and technical fields

• Participate in hands-on activities

• Speak with professionals in the industry

• Hear from apprenticeship students who will share their educational and work experiences

For more information, visit www.jaheartland.org.