Transforming Lives in Central Missouri

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

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.

Missouri has set an ambitious goal: 100,000 new apprentices by September 30, 2027. Here’s what that means for job seekers and employers across mid-Missouri.

Missouri added 3,400 jobs in May 2026 and the unemployment rate held at 3.8 percent, half a point below the national average. Here’s a breakdown of the latest labor market data and what it means for workers and employers across mid-Missouri.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.