Kirkwood report finds worker shortage, lack of basic skills

Community college highlights need for more skilled workers in Cedar Rapids area

Mar. 31, 2026 at 8:40am

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A bold, colorful silkscreen print featuring a repeated image of a construction hard hat in shades of neon orange, green, and blue, conceptually representing the workforce challenges facing the local construction industry.A vibrant pop art interpretation of the construction industry's struggle to find skilled workers in Cedar Rapids.Cedar Rapids Today

A new 'skills report' from Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa has found that the local area is facing a shortage of workers, with many lacking basic work habits and soft skills needed for in-demand jobs, particularly in the construction industry.

Why it matters

The worker shortage and skills gap highlighted in the Kirkwood report reflects broader labor market challenges facing many communities across the Midwest, as employers struggle to find qualified candidates to fill open positions.

The details

The Kirkwood report surveyed local employers and found that many open jobs, especially in the construction trades, are going unfilled due to a lack of qualified applicants. Employers cited issues like poor attendance, lack of communication skills, and an unwillingness to learn on the job as common problems with job candidates.

  • The Kirkwood 'skills report' was released on March 31, 2026.

The players

Kirkwood Community College

A public community college located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa that offers vocational and technical training programs.

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What they’re saying

“We're seeing a real need for workers with the right skills and work ethic, especially in the trades. Too many applicants are lacking basic job readiness.”

— Jasmine Almoayyed, Kirkwood Community College

What’s next

Kirkwood plans to expand its construction management and carpentry training programs to help address the local skills gap.

The takeaway

The worker shortage and skills gap highlighted in the Kirkwood report underscore the need for greater investment in vocational education and job training to prepare the next generation of workers for in-demand careers in the Cedar Rapids region.