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

How Missouri Veteran Nathan Frock Turned Military Skills into a Full-Time Career

Mar 5, 2026 | Success Stories

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.

How Mary Found Her Next Career After Military Service

Feb 6, 2026 | Success Stories

After military service, Mary partnered with the Columbia Job Center to explore career options, strengthen her job search, and secure full time employment in public safety. Her story shows how Veteran employment services can support a successful transition to civilian work.

Reagan Trades an Apron for a Career in Nursing

Jan 27, 2026 | Success Stories

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)

Jan 12, 2026 | Success Stories

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

Nov 18, 2025 | Success Stories

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

Nov 10, 2025 | Success Stories

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.

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What We Offer

Central Region CDL Recruitment Events Drive Opportunities in the Trucking Industry

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.

Learn More

Central Workforce Development Region and Job Point Collaborate to Launch Comprehensive Warehouse Certification Training Program

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.

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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.

LISTEN TO EPISODES

Central Region News

Central Region Joins Local Partners At Lebanon Summer Outreach Event

by Sundi Jo Graham | August 10, 2026 | In the News | 0 Comments

Free community resources came together at the Lebanon YMCA this summer, with the Central Workforce Development Region on hand to connect attendees with job seeker services.

Central Workforce Development Region Signs Lease for New Jefferson City Job Center

by Sundi Jo Graham | July 31, 2026 | Announcements, In the News | 0 Comments

Jefferson City is set to have a Missouri Job Center again after several years without one, thanks to a new partnership between the Central Workforce Development Board and First Christian Church Disciples of Christ. The center will offer employment services, resume help, training, and apprenticeship support to job seekers across the community.

First Christian Church to House Missouri Job Center

by Sundi Jo Graham | July 28, 2026 | In the News | 0 Comments

A new Missouri Job Center is coming to downtown Jefferson City, opening in a partnership between First Christian Church and Missouri Workforce Development this fall.

Hire a Veteran Day Brings Veterans and Employers Together at the Missouri State Capitol

by Sundi Jo Graham | July 27, 2026 | Announcements | 0 Comments

Veterans, employers, and workforce partners gathered at the Missouri State Capitol on Friday, July 24, for Hire a Veteran Day. Missouri Job Center staff from Columbia and Sedalia connected attendees with employment opportunities, career resources, and services designed to support veterans in their next career.

Fast Track Incentive Grant Application Now Open for the 2026-2027 Academic Year

by Sundi Jo Graham | July 24, 2026 | Announcements | 0 Comments

Missouri adults returning to school have a new opportunity to make training affordable. The Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant application is now open for the 2026-2027 academic year, covering tuition, fees, and apprenticeship costs for eligible students pursuing careers in high-demand industries.

The Hardest Words in the Room

by Sundi Jo Graham | July 23, 2026 | Employer Tips, Helpful Tips | 0 Comments

Every day, people walk through the doors of Central Region Job Centers and do one of the hardest things a person can do — they ask for help. So why is it so hard for the rest of us to do the same?

A Single Mom Bets on Herself and Builds a Healthcare Career (Stephanie’s Story)

by Sundi Jo Graham | July 21, 2026 | Success Stories | 0 Comments

ingle mom Stephanie Stapleton turned a low-wage gas station job into a healthcare career, earning her Medical Assistant certifications with WIOA Adult and Healthy Blue support.

Missouri Jobs Report: June 2026 — Employment Crosses 3 Million and Unemployment Drops to 3.7%

by Sundi Jo Graham | July 20, 2026 | Job Reports | 0 Comments

Missouri’s total nonfarm payroll employment crossed 3 million jobs in June 2026, and the unemployment rate fell to 3.7 percent — three-tenths of a point lower than a year ago. Here’s a breakdown of the latest data and what it means for mid-Missouri.

How a Wonderland Camp Partnership Is Turning Internships Into Jobs

by Sundi Jo Graham | July 7, 2026 | In the News, Success Stories | 0 Comments

A day of service at Wonderland Camp highlighted a partnership that keeps growing stronger, with former summer interns now hired on as camp employees

From the Marine Corps to the ICU: DeAundre’s Story

by Sundi Jo Graham | July 1, 2026 | Success Stories | 0 Comments

After separating from the Marine Corps, DeAundre set his sights on nursing. With support from WIOA Dislocated Worker, EDA, and Healthy Blue, he’s now an RN in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at MU Healthcare.

From Two Part-Time Jobs to a Full-Time Nursing Career: Meghan’s Story

Meghan Zahnter was working two part-time jobs when she decided to pursue nursing. Two years later, with support from WIOA Adult, EDA, and Healthy Blue, she’s a full-time RN at Lake Regional Health Systems.

Episode 83: How to Make a Great Impression in Your First 90 Days on the Job

You got the job — now what? The first 90 days on a new job are more important than most people realize. Tune in to Episode 83 of The Workforce Link Podcast to find out how to make a great impression, build the right relationships, and set yourself up for long-term success from day one.

Missouri Leaders Gather at Mizzou to Advance Workforce Pell and AI Initiatives

State higher education and workforce leaders gathered at the University of Missouri in June to discuss Workforce Pell implementation, AI talent development, and the future of education and training in Missouri.