Inspiring Success Stories
Transforming Lives in Central Missouri
Lives are being changed every day through workforce development efforts. Here are their stories.
Our Success Stories
Reagan Trades an Apron for a Career in Nursing
Reagan Blain came to the Job Center looking for stability and a future in healthcare. With the right support, she turned part-time work into a career as a Registered Nurse and is now building a more secure future for herself.
Namisha White Finds Her Path in Healthcare (Success Story)
Namisha White is building a career in nursing with training from the Waynesville Career Center and support from the Central Workforce Development Region. Her story shows how opportunity and workforce partnerships open doors to in-demand healthcare careers.
How Workforce Services Helped a Missouri Veteran Rebuild His Career
Learn how the Central Region Job Centers supported a Missouri veteran through job loss, training, and career transitions on his path to meaningful work.
How the Rolla Job Center Helped Veteran Jake Borleske Find His Next Mission
Discover how Navy veteran Jake Borleske partnered with the Rolla Job Center to land a full-time career with Cox Health. A success story of collaboration, training, and perseverance.
How Central Missouri Changed Lives Through the EDA Good Jobs Challenge Grant
The Central Region’s EDA Good Jobs Challenge trained 700+ Missourians for in-demand careers in healthcare, CDL, and warehousing.
Record Turnouts Highlight Central Missouri’s Commitment to Workforce Growth
Central Missouri’s Fall 2025 hiring events drew record attendance, connecting hundreds of job seekers with top employers across the region
What We Offer
Job Seeker Services
Explore numerous opportunities with the Central Workforce Development Region! Our Job Centers offer free services to help you prepare for, find, and secure jobs that match your strengths and goals.
Employer Services
Available at NO cost to you, we offer a variety of employer services, including job matching, consulting, work opportunity tax credits, on-the-job training, incumbent worker training, transition assistance, and more. See full details below.
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.
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.
Central Region News
Walk-In-Wednesdays Hiring Event Returns April 15 in Columbia
The Columbia Job Center will host Walk-In-Wednesdays on April 15, bringing 13 employers and job seekers together for on-the-spot interviews and local hiring opportunities.
Students Explore Career and Volunteer Opportunities at Wonderland Camp
Youth participants recently joined Paula Pogue of the Central Workforce Development Region for a guided tour and information session at Wonderland Camp near Rocky Mount, Missouri — one of mid-Missouri’s most unique nonprofits serving individuals with disabilities for more than 50 years.
How a WIOA Youth Program Helped One Missourian Launch a Law Enforcement Career
Austin Harris was working at Walmart and ready for something more. With support from Central Missouri workforce staff and funding through WIOA, he completed law enforcement training at the Missouri Sheriffs’ Association Academy — and found a career he loves.