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
From Service Member to Registered Nurse: Cameron Hardwick’s Journey
Cameron Hardwick was discharged from the military in 2023 with a goal: become a nurse. With funding support from WIOA Dislocated Worker, MO Heroes Connect, and other Central Region programs, he graduated as an RN in 2026 and more than doubled his wages.
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.
Central Workforce Development Region Featured in Columbia Metro Rotary Club Newsletter
The Central Workforce Development Region was featured in the Columbia Metro Rotary Club newsletter, highlighting how staff support job seekers, employers, and veterans across the region.
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.
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 81: Why Your Emotions Are Blocking Your Job Search Success
Your resume might not be the problem. In Episode 81 of The Workforce Link Podcast, we break down how anxiety and self-doubt quietly sabotage your job search and what you can do about it.
Central Region News
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.
Capital City Hiring Event Connects 94 Job Seekers with Employers in Jefferson City
The Capital City Hiring Event welcomed 94 job seekers and more than 20 employers to Jefferson City, creating valuable connections while highlighting workforce services available through the Jefferson City Job Center.
From the Front Lines of EMS to a Full-Time Nursing Career: Kalyn’s Story
Kalyn Smith was working part-time in patient care and EMS when she set her sights on nursing. With support from WIOA Adult, EDA, and Healthy Blue, she’s now a full-time RN at Boone Health.