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Empowering Your Career Journey

Job Center Services

Unlock your potential with our comprehensive job center services, designed to guide you towards a fulfilling career.

Our Mission to Empower Job Seekers

The Central Workforce Development Region is dedicated to strengthening communities through workforce development efforts. Our mission is to assist job seekers in finding the right career path by providing free services that include skills assessments, job training, and career counseling. With locations across 19 counties in mid-Missouri, we are committed to enhancing the regional economy by connecting individuals with meaningful employment opportunities.

Comprehensive Job Seeker Services

Job Search Assistance

Our experts provide personalized guidance and resources to help you identify and pursue job opportunities that align with your skills and career aspirations.

Computers/Resource Center

Our Computers/Resource Center provides job seekers with free access to computers, internet, and essential tools for job searching, resume building, and career development.

UI Assistance

UI Assistance helps individuals navigate the unemployment insurance (UI) process by providing guidance on eligibility, applications, and claim management.

Career Exploration

Discover career paths that align with your skills, interests, and goals.

Resume Crafting Support

Receive professional assistance to create a standout resume that effectively highlights your strengths and experiences to potential employers.

Interview Preparation

Gain confidence for your interviews with our mock sessions and tailored feedback, ensuring you make a lasting impression on employers.

Workshops

Our workshops provide hands-on learning opportunities to help individuals build essential career and job-readiness skills. Covering topics like resume writing, interview techniques, financial literacy, and professional development, these sessions equip participants with the tools needed for success in today’s workforce.

Skills Assessments

Talify Missouri

Talify Missouri is an innovative assessment tool that evaluates your skills and interests, helping you align with potential career opportunities that suit your profile.

ACT WorkKeys

ACT WorkKeys provides a comprehensive evaluation of your workplace skills, ensuring you are matched with employers seeking your unique talents.

Career Matching

Our assessments facilitate a personalized career matching process, guiding you towards roles that fit your skills and aspirations.

Veterans' Career & Employment Services

Job Placement Support

Our dedicated team assists veterans in finding suitable civilian employment, offering job placement services tailored to their skills and experiences.

Training Programs

We provide specialized training programs to help veterans transition smoothly into civilian careers, enhancing their employability and career prospects.

Career Counseling

Receive personalized career counseling to navigate the transition from military to civilian life, ensuring a successful career path.

Take the Next Step in Your Career Journey

Ready to advance your career? Visit one of our Job Centers today to explore a wide range of services designed to help you succeed. Whether you’re looking to refine your resume, prepare for interviews, or find job opportunities that align with your skills, our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way. Discover how our resources can empower your job search and lead you to a fulfilling career.

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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