In the serene landscapes of Bennett Spring State Park, located in the heart of Missouri’s natural beauty, you’ll find more than meets the eye. Behind the 3,338-acres of hiking trails, lush forests, and trout-filled branches run by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, you’ll find a valuable partnership with the Central Workforce Development Region, aiming to tackle staffing challenges, which has not only improved the park’s operations but also enhanced the educational experience for young aspiring naturalists.
Before partnering with the Central Workforce Development Region, Bennett Spring State Park faced significant staffing shortages, especially during the winter months. “We were really low on staffing,” explains Sam Grove, Senior Naturalist/Resource Interpreter at the park. To overcome this, the park engaged with the Central Workforce Development Region’s Work Experience Program, which aims to provide hands-on job experiences to job seekers.
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The additional hands during the lean months allowed for continued park operations and maintenance, ensuring visitors could enjoy the natural beauty uninterrupted. Groves shared, “I have been able to get a lot more done over the winter than normal because of hiring a youth in this program.” More than just extra help, the program has been a mentorship opportunity, with Grove adding, “I also get to mentor them in the field they are passionate about, giving them valuable work experience before they go to college.”
Sam gave high praises for the Central Workforce Development Region’s services. “It is incredibly beneficial to have additional staff when our budget does not allow for it,” he explains. This endorsement clearly demonstrates the impactful solutions that strategic partnerships deliver. They effectively tackle workforce challenges while providing emerging professionals with essential real-world experiences.
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