CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA (August 31, 2026) — Goodwill of the Heartland is launching Healthcare Career Connections, a new three-week career exploration program designed to help people discover opportunities in health-care and build a path toward training, employment and long-term career growth.
The program is offered at no cost to participants. The first class begins October 19 in Davenport, with future classes planned for the Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and Quad Cities areas.
“Health-care offers so many different career paths, but figuring out where to begin can be overwhelming,” said Carmen Heck, Vice President of Mission Services at Goodwill.
“Healthcare Career Connections gives people a chance to explore those possibilities, understand what it takes to get there, and make an informed decision about what comes next.”
During the program, participants explore health-care occupations and training options, hear directly from health-care professionals, employers, and educators, and take part in workplace tours, job shadows, or other career experiences. They also build career-readiness skills and learn about credentials, training programs, and options for paying for training.
Each participant works with a career navigator to identify career goals, explore possible pathways, and develop an individualized plan for next steps toward training and employment.
“You don’t have to walk in knowing exactly what healthcare career you want,” said Amy Winslow, Career Services and Development Manager.
“Our goal is to help people understand their options and leave with a realistic plan they can act on.”
Healthcare Career Connections is open to people at a variety of career stages, including those entering the workforce, considering a career change, or looking for greater stability and opportunities to advance. No previous health-care experience is required.
Goodwill is also seeking health-care employers, training providers, schools, and community organizations interested in supporting participants through guest speaking, workplace tours, job shadows, career guidance, and other opportunities.
To learn more, submit a program interest form, or explore partnership opportunities, visit Healthcare Career Connections on our website.
Goodwill of the Heartland is a non-profit operating in southeastern Iowa andwest-central Illinois. We offer a variety of retail stores, an outlet and eCommerce to fund programs and services for people and businesses in the communities we serve. We help people reach their full potential through education, training, and the power of work.
Learn more about us by visiting our website, reading our media releases, or monitoring our blog.
