Attracting + Retaining Diverse Talent Through Youth Opportunities

Tim Yaggi, president and CEO of Pella Corporation and chair of the Iowa Business Council (IBC), discussed youth engagement trends and employment needs and challenges in Greater Des Moines (DSM) and Iowa.

Workforce Shortages

Yaggi shared about IBC members dealing with worker shortages during one of the most challenging hiring times in recent history. In Iowa, there are more job openings than people in search of jobs. Collectively, among IBC members, there are more than 15,000 job openings. To expand businesses, public and private entities need to work together to focus on filling jobs so that companies achieve their expansion goals. Collaborative solutions are key.

Student Work-Based Opportunities

Providing work-based opportunities is important to both Pella Corporation and IBC because it creates a talent pipeline. It also allows companies to showcase technology and innovation by giving students hands-on opportunities within real-world facilities. Yaggi said with hiring challenges, it’s important to partner with educational institutions by offering externships, classroom-to-careers programs, internships and more. Programs like this should have real problems for students to solve and host competitions where they can develop their leadership and presentation skills. Yaggi said if students fit with Pella and Pella is a fit for students taking part in their programs, it’s a great way to find new talent. Yaggi highlights the importance of valuing differences and embracing inclusion within a company and a community in order to attract the right talent.

Challenges of Working in a Small Town

Diversity can be a challenge in small towns and throughout Iowa. Ensuring a welcoming environment will attract and retain talent. Yaggi said as America is becoming increasingly diverse, bringing in different perspectives is critical in filling talent shortages and attracting and retaining talent.

For more information, visit iowabusinesscouncil.org for data on economic trends in Iowa. 

The Future Ready DSM podcast was previously produced by the Greater Des Moines Partnership. To learn more about talent attraction and retention in DSM, check out our Talent Development Resources or visit the Do Something Greater website.