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 Part-Time Retail to Registered Nurse: Maria Wolfrum’s Story
With support from WIOA Adult, EDA, and Healthy Blue, Maria Wolfrum went from part-time retail work to a full-time career as a Registered Nurse — graduating from State Fair Community College and landing a position at Capital Region Medical Center.
From Military Leadership to Management Career: How Rodney Richardson Found His Path in the Central Region
After 25+ years of military service, Rodney Richardson came home to Missouri ready to work — but unsure where to start. Through JVSG, Wagner-Peyser, and the Columbia Job Center team, he turned decades of leadership experience into a full-time management career.
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.
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
Missouri Adds 34,100 Jobs Over the Year as Unemployment Falls to 3.5%
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.
A Move, a Job Search, and a New Chapter in Social Work for Antoinette Agosto
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.
A Janitorial Job Was All Jillian Knew. A Preschool Classroom Showed Her What She Wanted
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.