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
How Central Missouri Veteran Michael Turned a Career Setback Into a Fresh Start
Michael Casady served his country as a U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant. Back home in Missouri, he faced a different kind of challenge — losing a job he’d held for 20 years. Rather than give up, he went back to school, earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, and walked into the Columbia Job Center ready to start over. This is his story.
How Missouri Veteran Thomas Kusick Turned Military Skills into a Full-Time Career
Thomas Kusick served as a Combat Engineer with the Missouri Army National Guard, deploying to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. When he came home, he faced a new battle — finding steady work after sustaining a traumatic brain injury. With the support of the Columbia Job Center and his VA case manager, Thomas discovered his passion for carpentry and landed a full-time job. This is his story.
How Missouri Veteran Nathan Frock Turned Military Skills into a Full-Time Career
After leaving military service, Nathan Frock wasn’t sure what came next. With help from the Columbia Job Center and Missouri’s veteran employment services, he found a full-time career that puts his military skills to work.
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 80: Hiring for Attitude vs. Experience: Which Matters More?
When hiring, what matters more: attitude or experience? In this episode of the Workforce Link Podcast, we explore how employers can balance technical expertise and soft skills to build stronger teams and improve long-term retention.
Central Region News
WIOA Central Workforce Development Board Local Plan Modification – Public Notice – March 2026
Consistent with the “sunshine” provisions of WIOA sec. 107(e), the Central Workforce Development Board, comprised of 19 contiguous counties of Central Missouri, will have available for public review and comment a modification to its 2024-2027 WIOA local...
Central Workforce Development Region Connects with Students at Moniteau County Career Fair
Central Workforce Development Region staff connected with students and employers at the Moniteau County Career Fair at California High School, sharing youth and veteran services and supporting career exploration in Missouri.
ABEC to Host Interviews at Lebanon Job Center on March 4
ABEC will host an appointment-only interview event March 4 at the Lebanon Job Center for experienced welders, fabricators, grinders, and electrical assemblers.