Empowering Missouri Veterans

Your Path to a Successful Civilian Career Starts Here

We prioritize Missouri veterans by offering comprehensive career services to help you transition smoothly into the civilian workforce.

Making Veterans a Priority

Dedicated Support for Missouri Veterans

At the Central Workforce Development Region, we understand the unique challenges faced by veterans transitioning to civilian life. Our dedicated team provides personalized career counseling, job placement assistance, and training resources to ensure you find meaningful employment. We offer no-cost services including career assessments, résumé and cover letter assistance, interview preparation, job search workshops, and access to labor market information. Our goal is to honor your service by helping you achieve your career aspirations.

Whether you are a veteran or a qualifying spouse, our services are designed to support your career journey. From on-the-job training programs like Show Me Heroes OJT to internships through the Career Skills Program, we offer various pathways to success. Our partnership with Fort Leonard Wood allows us to place transitioning service members into internships with civilian organizations, providing valuable experience and easing the transition to civilian employment.

See Qualification Requirements Below

No-Cost Services for Veterans

Career Assessment and Counseling

Receive personalized career assessments and expert counseling to help you transition smoothly into the civilian workforce.

Résumé and Cover Letter Assistance

Get professional help with crafting résumés and cover letters that stand out to potential employers.

Job Placement Assistance

Benefit from our job placement services to find the right job that matches your skills and career goals.

Qualification Requirements

To access our services, you must meet one of the following criteria:

A Veteran Who: Has served at least one day in active military, naval, or air service and was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

Or The Spouse Of: Any Veteran who died of a service-connected disability, any member of the armed forces serving on active duty who has been listed for at least 90 days as missing in action, captured in the line of duty, or forcibly detained by a foreign government, or a Veteran who has a total disability resulting from a service-connected disability, or died while such a disability was in existence.

Veterans’ Career & Employment Services

Priority of Service

Veterans and their families receive priority access to employment, training, and placement services, ensuring they get the support they need first.

Mo Heros

Our On-the-Job Training program allows veterans to earn while they learn, gaining valuable experience in their chosen career field.

Take the Next Step in Your Career

Are you ready to leverage your military experience into a fulfilling civilian career? The Central Workforce Development Region is here to support you every step of the way. Find a job center near you and start accessing our comprehensive services today.

Central Region News

From Program Participant to Workforce Leader: Trish Rogers Reflects on 42 Years of Service

From workforce program participant to longtime COPIC Executive Director, Trish Rogers spent 42 years helping others overcome barriers and build brighter futures. As she retires, she reflects on her career, the people who inspired her, and the impact of workforce development in Central Missouri.

Central Workforce Development Board Welcomes Mike Howard

The Central Workforce Development Board welcomes Mike Howard of Missouri LECET. His experience in skilled trades recruitment, apprenticeships, and business leadership will support workforce development efforts across Central Missouri.

Central Missouri Workforce Projected to Outpace Statewide Job Growth Through 2034

Central Missouri employment is projected to grow 4.85% through 2034, exceeding the statewide average. New MERIC data highlights expanding career opportunities, health care demand, and workforce trends across the 19-county Central Region.

Central Workforce Development Board Recognizes Dedicated Service, Highlights Regional Progress at Annual Meeting

The Central Workforce Development Board and local elected officials gathered October 21 in Camdenton to recognize dedicated service, review regional accomplishments, and discuss Central Missouri’s workforce outlook.

Missouri Employment Drops 10,600 Jobs in September, But Annual Growth Continues

The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development has released Strategic Plan 2027: Building Missouri’s Future, a roadmap to prepare Missourians for high demand careers and help employers facing talent shortages. The plan sets statewide goals of 60 percent postsecondary attainment and 70 percent labor force participation.

Missouri Employment Drops 10,600 Jobs in September, but Annual Growth Continues

Missouri employment declined by 10,600 jobs in September 2026, while the unemployment rate rose slightly to 3.6%. Despite the monthly decrease, the state added 28,400 jobs over the past year, with leisure and hospitality leading annual growth.

MDHEWD Recognizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Highlighting Accessibility and Workforce Opportunities

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Learn how Missouri is recognizing the contributions of individuals with disabilities and expanding access to apprenticeships, STEM careers, and workforce training opportunities.

Jeffrey Tubbs Was Looking for More Than a Job. A CDL Helped Him Find a New Direction.

Jeffrey Tubbs wanted more than another job. Through WIOA Adult and EDA assistance, he completed CDL training, earned his Class A license, and opened doors to new career opportunities.

Jefferson City Job Center Opens New Permanent Location October 5

Big news for Jefferson City. After years without a permanent home, the Jefferson City Job Center is opening its doors at 327 E. Capitol Avenue on Monday, October 5 — and it is a moment worth celebrating.

Why Workforce Development Is Never Finished

Every September, the workforce development field pauses to celebrate itself — and rightfully so. But this year, rather than looking back, we want to look forward. Because the truth is, this work is never finished.

Tune into the podcast

The Workforce Link Podcast with Sundi Jo Graham

The Workforce Link Podcast offers forward thinking conversations for the workforce, linking employers and job seekers to a brighter tomorrow. 

Hosted by Sundi Jo Graham from the Central Workforce Development Board, The Workforce Link covers job searching, resume and interview tips, leadership, personal development, and features interviews with industry leaders from the private and public sectors.

Translate »