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Central Region Rapid Response

In navigating staffing reductions and layoffs within The Central Region, having a dedicated support team is vital, helping employers meet legal obligations while aiding affected employees in finding new career paths and training opportunities.

Our Comprehensive Support Services

Rapid Response Team Offerings

Employee Assistance Meetings

We organize meetings to assist employees, providing them with the necessary resources and guidance during layoffs.

Training Program Information

Our team offers detailed information on Trade Act and other training programs to help employees enhance their skills.

Unemployment Insurance Guidance

We present essential information about Unemployment Insurance to ensure employees understand their benefits.

Job Connection Services

We connect affected employees with current job openings, facilitating a smooth transition to new employment opportunities.

Employer Layoff Obligations

Our specialists assist employers in understanding and fulfilling their legal obligations during layoffs.

No-Cost Support in Central Missouri

Our services are available at no cost to businesses and workers in the Central Region, ensuring accessible support for all.

Labor Market Information

Complete labor market information is available for employers utilizing their Employer account on jobs.mo.gov. Market trends, projections, and other information is available by completing searches on the criteria that matters to you.

Search based on Advertised Jobs, Occupational Information, Education Requirements, Employment and Unemployment, Employers by Occupation and Industries, Candidates, Profiles for Specific Local Areas, Demographic Information and much more.

Your Questions About Rapid Response Answered

Explore how our Rapid Response services can assist you during workforce transitions.

What is the Rapid Response service?

The Rapid Response service provides support to businesses and employees during layoffs, offering resources and guidance to ease the transition.

How can Rapid Response help my business?

We assist by conducting employee meetings, providing training information, and ensuring your business meets all legal obligations during layoffs.

Who can access Rapid Response services?

Our services are available to employers and affected workers in the Central Region of Missouri at no cost.

What kind of support is available for employees?

Employees can receive assistance with job placement, training opportunities, and understanding unemployment benefits.

How do I get started with Rapid Response?

Contact us to schedule a consultation with our Regional Employer Relations and Engagement Specialist to discuss your needs.

Contact Us for More Information

Central Region News

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.

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.

Walk-In-Wednesdays Hiring Event Returns to Columbia on March 18

Walk-In-Wednesdays returns to Columbia on March 18 at the Columbia Public Library. Meet 13 employers hiring in healthcare, public safety, local government, skilled trades, and more.

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.

Jamestown High School Students Explore Careers with Columbia Job Center

On February 20, Columbia Job Center staff visited Jamestown High School to provide virtual reality career exploration for juniors and seniors. Students used Transfr VR goggles to explore in-demand Missouri careers and learn about training pathways that support their next steps after graduation.

Boonville Correctional Center to Host Interviews on February 20 at Columbia Job Center

The Missouri Department of Corrections will host open interviews February 20, 2026 at the Missouri Job Center in Columbia, MO. Job seekers can meet directly with hiring staff and interview for Correctional Officer positions serving the Boonville facility.

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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