Opportunity Dubuque reports 92% placement rate in mid‑year update to council

Nick Hockenberry (introduced in the presentation as a GDDC teammate) told the council the Opportunity Dubuque program — run in partnership with Northeast Iowa Community College and regional workforce partners — targets short‑term certificate programs that connect trainees to local employers.

Hockenberry summarized the program’s mid‑year metrics as of Jan. 31: 114 enrollees in Opportunity Dubuque certificate programs, 37 completions in the first half of the year, and 68 participants still in training. He said the program funds 25 individuals under the local “Dub uque Works” tuition support arrangement and that city, DRA and county dollars fill tuition gaps after federal and state sources. Hockenberry said the program’s historical totals include nearly 4,800 enrollees and about 4,200 completions since 2011.

Hockenberry emphasized placement outcomes: according to GDDC’s graduate surveys and follow‑up calls by program coaches, 92% of completers were either employed in their field or pursuing further education six months after completion. He said 404 people have received funding through the program who “otherwise would not have had funding support.”

Hockenberry described Opportunity Dubuque’s evolution from a CNC certificate partnership into a portfolio of about 18 certificate programs (including certified nursing assistant and CDL training) that are selected annually via a skills‑gap analysis with Northeast Iowa Community College and BLS occupational growth factors.

He said a new core manufacturing certificate will enroll in the coming month, combining technical and soft skills employers requested. As an example of individual impact, GDDC showed a program graduate, “Joe,” who completed a semi‑truck driving certificate and found employment at Prairie Farms, enabling him to be home at night with his family.

Council members responded with thanks and praise for the 92% placement figure. The presentation concluded with no formal actions; the Council returned to its evening schedule later.