Opportunity Dubuque: Strengthening Our Workforce Through High-Demand Skills Training

At the halfway mark of Fiscal Year 2025, Opportunity Dubuque continues to provide tuition-free, skills-based training that connects job seekers with high-demand career paths. Since its launch in 2011, this program has trained or up-skilled over 4,000 individuals, helping to bridge the gap between employer needs and workforce skills. This collaborative workforce initiative—funded by the City of Dubuque, Dubuque County, the Dubuque Racing Association (DRA), Greater Dubuque Development, Northeast Iowa Community College, and local employers—remains a key driver in building a strong regional talent pipeline. 

Mid-Year Performance Highlights:

• 27 Greater Dubuque Development have been funded so far for certificate programs that develop high-demand skills, positioning them for success in the regional workforce.
• An additional 147 students are enrolled in Opportunity Dubuque approved certificate programs, with tuition supported by other funding sources.
• Career coaches continue to take an on-the-ground approach to engaging the community and identifying Opportunity Dubuque candidates, making 34 separate connections through public events and outreach efforts, ensuring access to training opportunities.

The program has proven success in career track employment through education. Since its inception, Opportunity Dubuque has maintained a remarkable 93% continuing education and/or employment rate among its graduates, meaning nearly all students completing training find jobs in their field or continue their education. This statistic underscores the program’s effectiveness in preparing individuals for sustainable careers that support both personal growth and regional economic development.

Looking forward for the remainder of FY25, the Opportunity Dubuque program will focus on:

• Expanding employer partnerships to ensure more graduates transition into local, high-quality jobs.
• Enhancing outreach efforts to sustain enrollment and engagement in training programs.
• Continuing to remove financial barriers, making workforce training accessible to all.

Through a strong network of support, Opportunity Dubuque remains a driving force in workforce development, empowering individuals with the skills they need to thrive.

For more information about Opportunity Dubuque or to get involved, contact Nic Hockenberry, Director of Workforce Programming at nicolash@greaterdubuque.org or 563-557-9049.