Navigating the AI revolution: How northeast Iowa is building the workforce of tomorrow

Monday, March 9, 2026

The world of business is changing at a pace few could have imagined a decade ago. From the way we draft emails to how we analyze complex data, artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept—it is the engine reshaping global industry. At Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC), we believe that for our region to thrive, our local businesses must not only keep up with this transformation but lead it.

To ensure our workforce is prepared for this evolution, the College is partnering with the Center for Industrial Research and Service at Iowa State University (CIRAS) to host two landmark workshops. These sessions are designed to take the mystery out of AI, turning a complex global shift into a practical professional asset for you and your team.

"The core of our mission is to help our community members find their way through a changing landscape," said Greg Willging, NICC economic development services director. “Technology can feel overwhelming, but community colleges are here to meet people where they are. We are bridging the gap between academic theory and the real-world work being done right here in northeast Iowa.”

Building a shared foundation

The journey begins on April 16, with "AI Literacy: Working Effectively with Large Language Models." Held from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, this session is for the curious and the motivated. You don’t need a technical background to attend; you only need a desire to understand how these tools can make your daily workflow more responsible and effective. It’s about building a shared foundation so that every employee feels confident navigating this new territory.

From beginner to professional asset

For those ready to take the next step, the College will host "AI Fluency: Applying AI to Real Business Work" on June 4, from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. This workshop moves beyond the basics, showing you how to reliably apply AI to complex reports, data and processes. The goal is simple: to help you leave with a clear, actionable plan to streamline your work and stay competitive in a digital age.

A statewide partnership

This initiative is part of a larger, collaborative effort involving the University of Iowa's Initiative for Artificial Intelligence (IIAI) and Iowa State University’s Translational Artificial Intelligence Center (TrAC). By bringing together these powerhouses of research and workforce development, we are ensuring that high-quality AI education is accessible to every business owner and professional in our district.

At NICC, we see the "maze" of modern technology not as a barrier, but as a path to innovation. We invite you to join us as we evolve together.

Sign up today
For more information, contact Greg Willging at 563.562.3263, ext. 3128 or willgingg@nicc.edu. Or sign up for AI Literacy here and AI Fluency here.