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 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
Savannah Jeffries Achieves Her RN Dream with WIOA Support
Discover how WIOA support helped Savannah Jeffries advance from CNA to RN at Arrowhead Senior Living, doubling her pay and achieving her nursing dream.
WIOA Work Experience Program Leads to Career Success for Alexis Christian
Learn how WIOA helped Alexis Christian in Miller County turn job loss into a new career as a Preschool Teacher at Elite Little’s Christian Academy in Eldon, MO.
How WIOA Support Helped Cassidy Prater Become a Registered Dental Hygienist
Discover how Miller County resident Cassidy Prater achieved her dream of becoming a licensed Dental Hygienist with support from the WIOA Adult Occupational Skills Training program.
Youth Work Experience Program Changes Auggie’s Life
At 16, Auggie Perry gained skills at Bennett Spring State Park through WIOA and COTY, turning a youth work placement into lasting success.
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 79: You Don’t Have to Have It All Figured Out
You don’t have to have your career figured out to move forward. In this episode of the Workforce Link Podcast, Sundi Jo explores why clarity matters more than certainty and how slowing down can help you take the next step with confidence.
Central Region News
Built to Rebuild: How Veteran Donald Jones Welded His Past to a New Future
Justice involved and rebuilding his life at a veterans shelter, Donald Jones connected with the Columbia Job Center. With support from Ricardo Garay and the JVSG program, he’s now working at Kraft and building toward what’s next.
From Navy Flight Officer to Lead Pilot: Chad’s Story
Retired Naval Flight Officer Chad Lukins wanted to become a commercial pilot. With support from the Columbia Job Center’s veteran services, he earned his CFI and ATP credentials and is now lead pilot at HTH Companies, Inc.
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.