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 Blain: From Two Part-Time Jobs to Registered Nurse
Reagan Blain was working as a CNA and waitress when she walked into the Job Center ready for a change. With support from WIOA Adult, Healthy Blue, and EDA, she graduated with her ADN and is now a licensed Registered Nurse at SSM Health St. Mary’s — earning double her previous wage.
From Checkout Lane to Law Enforcement: Austin’s Success Story
Austin Harris was working at Walmart when he decided he wanted more. Through the WIOA Out-of-School Youth program and training at the Missouri Sheriffs’ Association Academy, he earned his Police Officer License and launched a law enforcement career with benefits, stability, and a future he’s proud of.
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.
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
What Students Can Teach Us About Showing Up
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.
A Certified Medical Assistant, Ashley Wanted More. Nursing School Delivered It
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.
Keeoctea Hightower Wanted a Fresh Start. The Central Region Job Center Helped Her Find One
Veteran Keeoctea Hightower came to the Columbia Job Center for resume help and career guidance. With support from Wagner-Peyser and JVSG services, she landed full-time employment at a VA hospital.