Need a job or a better one? IowaWORKS can help – you can search thousands of jobs. Take advantage of our networking opportunities and weekly recruiting events. Get help creating a resume and learning how to interview. If you are 14 years or older let us help your career.
Open the door to more opportunities.
If you receive food assistance you are eligible to participate in free training. The program was developed to help you learn skills for in-demand jobs that pay a higher wage. Sign up to learn more.
Creating Futures is for young adults, ages 16–24.
We’ll help you figure out your career goals, simplify the educational process and help you build skills for seeking and landing a job.
Don’t assume you don’t qualify for tuition assistance.
If you want short-term training or plan to go to college, talk to us. We have programs available for ages 16+, including food assistance participants and dislocated workers.
Email skillstoemployment@kirkwood.edu or call 319-365-9474, ext. 31112.
Earning this certificate can make you stand out among other applicants. The NCRC™ shows you are qualified for the job demands regarding reading, information gathering and mathematics. The higher you score on the tests, the higher the certification. Higher certification opens the door to more job options.
All three represent a level of training for a certain area of study. The number of training hours determines the award. More training usually means earning a higher wage.
Certificate: A document acknowledging the holder has received training in a specific area of study. The training received is not part of the diploma and degree program. Certificate programs are typically specialized in a single skill set. Depending on the area of study, a certificate can be earned in six to 12 weeks.
Diploma: At a community college this is a document acknowledging the holder has received training in a specific area of study. The training is more in depth, enabling the holder to earn a higher wage while working toward a degree. A diploma is typically earned in one year.
Degree: At a community college this is a document acknowledging the holder has received training in a specific area of study. The training is more in depth and allows the holder to earn a higher wage while working toward an advanced degree. An associate degree typically is awarded in two years.
If you are low income and eligible to work in the U.S, find your path to a two-year degree. We have developed three complete training pathways so you can build skills for a new career. Whatever your personal situation you can stop and start anywhere along the pathway. We'll help you find funding, and provide the guidance, support, and encouragement you need along your pathway to success.
Receive basic education tutoring, earn a high school equivalency diploma and/or learn to speak English.
Then choose your pathway with KPACE.
Whether you are starting from square one or are college ready, you’ll be connected to a pathway navigator who will provide guidance and support every step of the way. Sign up here to attnd a FREE information session.
KPACE offers financial help and guidance, so you can earn a degree for an in-demand job. See the training pathways we have developed so you can build skills for jobs that are in-demand. Whatever your personal situation, we will help you stay on track. Connecting you to funding, and providing the guidance, support, and encouragement you need along your pathway to success.
Earn a diploma for a better-paying job.
Practical Nurse: $16.57/hr*
Welder: $18.76/hr*
Office Professional: $17.23/hr*
Industrial Maintenance Tech: $17.11/hr
*Estimated beginning wage source: Iowa Workforce Information Network.
Earn more by getting an associate degree.
Nursing: $24.88/hr*
Welding: $26.40/hr*
Business: $23.09/hr*
Industrial Maintenance: $20.38/hr*
*Estimated beginning wage source: Iowa Workforce Information Network.
To get started, please contact:
Cedar Rapids main campus
108 Iowa Hall
319-398-5899 ext. 5069
Want to be contacted?
Lindale Mall, Cedar Rapids
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(Wednesday 9 a.m.)
Eastdale Plaza, Iowa City
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(Wednesday 9 a.m.)
Still have questions about our program?
Skills to Employment
319-365-9474, ext. 31112
skillstoemployment@kirkwood.edu