Creating a stronger workforce, together.
Let’s start a conversation about improving your workforce through training and upskilling.
Opportunity Dubuque is a nationally recognized, collaborative job-training effort developed in response to local employers’ needs for a skilled workforce.
A win-win for students and employers, individuals can complete industry-driven certifications to upgrade their skills or launch new careers.
The program offers training in a variety of disciplines across industries to fill high-demand and high-wage occupations, providing a unique level of flexibility that allows the community to adapt to shifting dynamics and immediate needs in the workforce. Tuition assistance and child care support remove barriers and make the program accessible to all.
Since 2011, Opportunity Dubuque has helped thousands of individuals earn industry-recognized credentials aligning with employer demand in fields such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, construction, transportation, business services, and child care. Click to learn more about the most current Opportunity Dubuque Program outcomes.
Reflecting its true collaborative nature, Opportunity Dubuque is offered through Northeast Iowa Community College, funded in part by Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, and supported by commitments from the City of Dubuque, Dubuque County, and the DRA.
Visit here to learn more about Opportunity Dubuque.
Joseph Lewis
For Joseph Lewis, it wasn’t just about getting a CDL—it was about building a better life. After completing Opportunity Dubuque’s truck driving program, and with the guidance of NICC career coach Marcus Ingles, he landed a great local driving job with Prairie Farms. He’s getting paid well, making a difference, and—most importantly—he’s home every night to tuck in his kids.
Supporting Veteran Transition to Dubuque
Since 2014, Home Base Iowa has helped position Dubuque County as a welcoming destination for veterans and their families. This strengthens the regional talent pool while connecting veterans to employment, training, and career advancement resources.
Learn, Share, and Grow Together
The HR Professionals Cohort connects local HR leaders to exchange ideas and build skills that support today’s workforce. Workforce Solutions Investors participate at no cost and bring back insights that strengthen their teams.
A proactive initiative focused on the recruitment and skill development of our workforce, ensuring positive outcomes for workers and businesses alike.
It is a true regional partnership, with dozens of nonprofits, educators, workforce experts, and communities working together.
Dubuque Works has two main goals:
Human Capital: Identify and address recruitment, retention, and relocation needs as defined by Greater Dubuque employers, and build workforce capacity by enhancing training to meet employer demand.
Collaboration and Evaluation: Combine collaborative workforce efforts with quality research to generate evidence-based practices that improve performance and outcomes for local employers.
Read the Dubuque Works Strategic Plan to learn more about Dubuque Works, its goals, and its partners.
Dubuque Works is made possible through financial support provided by the City of Dubuque, Dubuque County, and the DRA.