Workforce

Workforce

Hiawatha’s active workforce holds true to the strong Iowa work ethic and a high degree of education and skill. More than half of the city’s population is employed, primarily in sales, management, and other roles. Our residents enjoy short commutes and positions in the top industries of wholesale distribution and retail, healthcare, manufacturing, education, construction and warehousing/transportation.

HEDCO, in collaboration with the City of Hiawatha and regional partners, is dedicated to supporting businesses by fostering a strong labor market. Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) surveys reveal that workforce development is a top priority, with 87% of businesses citing it as a critical factor for their long-term success.

Workforce Attraction & Retention

Recognizing workforce shortages as a key challenge, HEDCO and the City of Hiawatha have partnered with Cedar Rapids and Marion on a multi-year talent attraction initiative. This includes hiring a Talent Attraction Director to market the region to professionals in high-demand fields.

Investing in the Next Generation

Local businesses and educational institutions are collaborating to build a future-ready workforce. Programs like the Cedar Rapids Schools Student Built House Program introduce students to high-demand careers in construction, while companies like World Class Industries and Hometown Restyling are implementing innovative training and retention programs.