The Skilled Iowa Initiative has helped certify 45,000 individuas through the National Career Readiness Certificate in its two years. The program was launched in June of 2012 and since then over 10,000 Iowa businesses have signed on in support of the program. The Skilled Iowa Initiative have an internship component which provides on-the-job training.

Washington and Keokuk counties are two of the nine Skilled Iowa Communities.To be designated a Skilled Iowa Community the area must meet the following criteria: 10% of employers covering at least 20% of the areas employment must be Skilled Iowa Members, 5% of the current labor force has achieve the NCRC certification, and 20% of the transitioning labor force must receive the NCRC certification.