Strengthening communities through workforce development efforts.
We Are the Central Region
The Central Workforce Development Region encompasses 19 counties throughout mid-Missouri, including Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Camden, Cole, Cooper, Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Howard, Laclede, Maries, Miller, Moniteau, Morgan, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski, and Washington.
The Central Region houses three comprehensive Job Centers, multiple satellite and affiliate locations, an administrative office and a volunteer board all engaged to enhance the regional economy by providing workforce development services and activities for businesses and citizens alike.
What We Offer
Job Seeker Services
Explore numerous opportunities with the Central Workforce Development Region! Our Job Centers offer free services to help you prepare for, find, and secure jobs that match your strengths and goals.
Employer Services
Available at NO cost to you, we offer a variety of employer services, including job matching, consulting, work opportunity tax credits, on-the-job training, incumbent worker training, transition assistance, and more. See full details below.
Central Region Labor Market Overview
The Central Region is comprised of 19 counties. As well as being where the state capital of Jefferson City is located, the region also includes the cities of Columbia and Rolla, which are both home to University of Missouri campuses. Some of the largest employers in the area are health care providers including: Boone Hospital, Phelps County Regional Medical Center, Capitol Region Medical Center and the Fulton State Hospital.
10.7% of Missouri's Employment
Averaged more than 284,800 jobs in 2022
Average annual wages
Central Region population
Success Stories
From CNA to RN: How Natalie Plemmons Turned Her Dream Into a Career
When Natalie Plemmons came to the Job Center in 2024, she had a goal and a job — but needed support to get through nursing school. With help from three workforce programs, she graduated from State Fair Community College and started her RN career three days later.
From Part-Time Retail to Registered Nurse: Maria Wolfrum’s Story
With support from WIOA Adult, EDA, and Healthy Blue, Maria Wolfrum went from part-time retail work to a full-time career as a Registered Nurse — graduating from State Fair Community College and landing a position at Capital Region Medical Center.
From Military Leadership to Management Career: How Rodney Richardson Found His Path in the Central Region
After 25+ years of military service, Rodney Richardson came home to Missouri ready to work — but unsure where to start. Through JVSG, Wagner-Peyser, and the Columbia Job Center team, he turned decades of leadership experience into a full-time management career.
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.
Episode 81: Why Your Emotions Are Blocking Your Job Search Success
Your resume might not be the problem. In Episode 81 of The Workforce Link Podcast, we break down how anxiety and self-doubt quietly sabotage your job search and what you can do about it.
Central Region News
Rolla Regional Spring Hiring Event Connects Job Seekers and Employers Across the Central Region
Around 80 job seekers and more than 40 employers gathered at the National Guard Armory in Rolla for the Rolla Regional Spring Hiring Event. The event created opportunities for networking, on-site interviews, and career exploration across multiple industries throughout the Central Region.
From Military Leadership to Management Career: How Rodney Richardson Found His Path in the Central Region
After 25+ years of military service, Rodney Richardson came home to Missouri ready to work — but unsure where to start. Through JVSG, Wagner-Peyser, and the Columbia Job Center team, he turned decades of leadership experience into a full-time management career.
CWDB Requesting Proposals for WIOA One Stop Operator
CWDB is requesting proposals for a provider of WIOA programs and services and One-Operation in nineteen counties of Central Missouri.