Transforming Lives in Central Missouri

Big news for Jefferson City. After years without a permanent home, the Jefferson City Job Center is opening its doors at 327 E. Capitol Avenue on Monday, October 5 — and it is a moment worth celebrating.

Every September, the workforce development field pauses to celebrate itself — and rightfully so. But this year, rather than looking back, we want to look forward. Because the truth is, this work is never finished.

Missouri added 2,100 jobs in August 2026 and 34,100 jobs over the year, while the unemployment rate fell to 3.5 percent. See which industries gained jobs and what the latest data says about Missouri’s workforce.

After a resume review at the Columbia Job Center, Antoinette Agosto used JVSG services to land a full-time social worker role with Good Shepherd Hospice in under a month.

high school senior with only janitorial work behind her, Jillian Boyles used the WIOA In-School Youth program to test a career in childcare, and turned a paid Work Experience at Tiger Tots into a real job.

Ashley built a career as a Certified Medical Assistant, then decided to go further. With support from WIOA Adult, EDA, and Healthy Blue, she earned her nursing degree and RN license, and now earns nearly $12 more per hour.

Missouri is partnering with Google to expand free access to AI training, Google Career Certificates and education tools for job seekers, students and educators across the state.

When veteran Eddie Agosto walked into the Columbia Job Center looking for direction, he found more than a resume review. Through the Jobs for Veterans State Grant program, he landed a role that puts his social work background to meaningful use.

Missouri added 8,100 jobs in July 2026, unemployment fell to 3.6 percent, and year-over-year job growth reached nearly 30,000 positions. Here’s a breakdown of the latest labor market data and what it means for workers and employers across mid-Missouri.

Every August, students walk into buildings they have never been in before and agree to spend months learning things they do not yet understand. What if the rest of us did the same? Here is what students can teach us about showing up.