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 a Wonderland Camp Partnership Is Turning Internships Into Jobs

A day of service at Wonderland Camp highlighted a partnership that keeps growing stronger, with former summer interns now hired on as camp employees

From the Marine Corps to the ICU: DeAundre’s Story

After separating from the Marine Corps, DeAundre set his sights on nursing. With support from WIOA Dislocated Worker, EDA, and Healthy Blue, he’s now an RN in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at MU Healthcare.

Missouri Sets Bold Goal: 100,000 New Apprentices by 2027

Missouri has set an ambitious goal: 100,000 new apprentices by September 30, 2027. Here’s what that means for job seekers and employers across mid-Missouri.

Missouri Jobs Report: May 2026 — Employment Grows and Unemployment Holds at 3.8%

Missouri added 3,400 jobs in May 2026 and the unemployment rate held at 3.8 percent, half a point below the national average. Here’s a breakdown of the latest labor market data and what it means for workers and employers across mid-Missouri.

From Two Part-Time Jobs to a Full-Time Nursing Career: Meghan’s Story

Meghan Zahnter was working two part-time jobs when she decided to pursue nursing. Two years later, with support from WIOA Adult, EDA, and Healthy Blue, she’s a full-time RN at Lake Regional Health Systems.

Episode 83: How to Make a Great Impression in Your First 90 Days on the Job

You got the job — now what? The first 90 days on a new job are more important than most people realize. Tune in to Episode 83 of The Workforce Link Podcast to find out how to make a great impression, build the right relationships, and set yourself up for long-term success from day one.

Missouri Leaders Gather at Mizzou to Advance Workforce Pell and AI Initiatives

State higher education and workforce leaders gathered at the University of Missouri in June to discuss Workforce Pell implementation, AI talent development, and the future of education and training in Missouri.

Built to Rebuild: How Veteran Donald Jones Welded His Past to a New Future 

Justice involved and rebuilding his life at a veterans shelter, Donald Jones connected with the Columbia Job Center. With support from Ricardo Garay and the JVSG program, he’s now working at Kraft and building toward what’s next.

From Navy Flight Officer to Lead Pilot: Chad’s Story

Retired Naval Flight Officer Chad Lukins wanted to become a commercial pilot. With support from the Columbia Job Center’s veteran services, he earned his CFI and ATP credentials and is now lead pilot at HTH Companies, Inc.

Missouri Jobs Report: April 2026 — Employment Rises and Unemployment Drops to 3.8%

Missouri added 12,000 jobs in April 2026 and the unemployment rate fell to 3.8 percent, continuing to outpace the nation. Here’s a breakdown of the latest labor market data and what it means for workers and employers across mid-Missouri.

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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