Empower Your Workforce

Incumbent Worker Training Program

Enhance your business by reskilling and upskilling your current employees with our comprehensive training programs.

Take Action Today!

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to improve your workforce and receive financial support for training. Join the Incumbent Worker Training Program now!

About the IWT Program

The Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) program is designed to help local businesses in Missouri retain and advance their employees. By participating, businesses can increase their competitiveness, avoid layoffs, and stimulate the local economy. Administered through local organizations, the program ensures that participants receive personalized support from community members who understand the local economic landscape. The IWT program is a valuable resource for businesses looking to invest in their workforce and foster long-term growth.

Key Features of the Incumbent Worker Training Program

Reimbursement for Training Costs

Receive financial support to cover the expenses of training your employees, making it easier to invest in their development.

Customizable Curriculum

Design a training program that fits the specific needs of your business and employees, ensuring relevant and effective skill development.

Skill Retention and Advancement

Help your employees acquire new skills and advance within your organization, reducing turnover and fostering loyalty.

Economic Stimulus

Contribute to the local economy by developing a more skilled workforce, which can lead to business growth and community prosperity.

Qualifications for Participation

To qualify for the Incumbent Worker Training Program, your business must demonstrate a need to prevent potential layoffs or the necessity to acquire skills for employee retention and advancement.

Additionally, you must develop a training curriculum that leads to a wage increase and provide a certificate of achievement upon completion. All necessary paperwork must be signed and approved before the training begins.

Ensuring these qualifications are met will help your business benefit from the program and support the growth and development of your workforce.

Understanding Incumbent Workers

What is an Incumbent Worker?

An incumbent worker is an employee who has already been hired and has completed initial orientation or training. These workers may have been with your company for many years and are integral to its operations. The Incumbent Worker Training Program provides an opportunity to further develop these employees, allowing them to gain new skills and advance within the organization. This not only enhances their career prospects but also opens up entry-level positions for new hires, fostering a cycle of growth and development within your business.

Take Action Today!

For more information, email us or click below to find the Job Center closest to you.

Central Region News

Charles Sederburg Takes the Wheel of His Future

With help from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Charles Sederburg overcame the financial barrier to CDL training and earned his commercial driver’s license. His determination and hard work are helping him build a path toward a more stable future.

Nine COTY Graduates Earn Professional Certificates and Prepare for Careers in Columbia

Nine students from Extended Hair Academy in Columbia, Missouri, earned professional certificates through the Career Opportunity Training for Youth (COTY) program. Graduates will now complete 120 hours of paid work experience as they prepare for careers in the beauty industry.

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.

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.

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