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 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.

How Central Missouri Changed Lives Through the EDA Good Jobs Challenge Grant

Oct 28, 2025 | Success Stories

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

Oct 20, 2025 | Announcements, Success Stories

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

Sep 23, 2025 | Success Stories

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

Sep 18, 2025 | Success Stories

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

Sep 15, 2025 | Success Stories

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.

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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 78: A Fresh Start for Your Career and Workforce Planning

The new year often brings pressure to have clear answers about work and career goals. This episode explores how to start fresh with intention, focus on clarity over urgency, and take meaningful next steps in career and workforce planning.

LISTEN TO EPISODES

Central Region News

Missouri Employment Drops 10,600 Jobs in September, But Annual Growth Continues

by Sundi Jo Graham | October 21, 2026 | Announcements | 0 Comments

The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development has released Strategic Plan 2027: Building Missouri’s Future, a roadmap to prepare Missourians for high demand careers and help employers facing talent shortages. The plan sets statewide goals of 60 percent postsecondary attainment and 70 percent labor force participation.

Missouri Employment Drops 10,600 Jobs in September, but Annual Growth Continues

by Sundi Jo Graham | October 19, 2026 | Job Reports | 0 Comments

Missouri employment declined by 10,600 jobs in September 2026, while the unemployment rate rose slightly to 3.6%. Despite the monthly decrease, the state added 28,400 jobs over the past year, with leisure and hospitality leading annual growth.

MDHEWD Recognizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Highlighting Accessibility and Workforce Opportunities

by Sundi Jo Graham | October 16, 2026 | Announcements, In the News | 0 Comments

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Learn how Missouri is recognizing the contributions of individuals with disabilities and expanding access to apprenticeships, STEM careers, and workforce training opportunities.

Jefferson City Job Center Opens New Permanent Location October 5

by Sundi Jo Graham | September 22, 2026 | Employer Tips, Helpful Tips | 0 Comments

Big news for Jefferson City. After years without a permanent home, the Jefferson City Job Center is opening its doors at 327 E. Capitol Avenue on Monday, October 5 — and it is a moment worth celebrating.

Why Workforce Development Is Never Finished

by Sundi Jo Graham | September 22, 2026 | Employer Tips, Helpful Tips | 0 Comments

Every September, the workforce development field pauses to celebrate itself — and rightfully so. But this year, rather than looking back, we want to look forward. Because the truth is, this work is never finished.

Missouri Adds 34,100 Jobs Over the Year as Unemployment Falls to 3.5%

by Sundi Jo Graham | September 22, 2026 | Job Reports | 0 Comments

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

by Sundi Jo Graham | September 9, 2026 | Success Stories | 0 Comments

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

by Sundi Jo Graham | September 9, 2026 | Success Stories | 0 Comments

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.

A GED Wasn’t in Her Past. A Classroom Full of Kids Is Now Her Future. (Hannah’s Success Story)

by Sundi Jo Graham | September 9, 2026 | Success Stories | 0 Comments

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.

Missouri Education Agencies Partner with Google to Provide Free AI Training

by Sundi Jo Graham | September 9, 2026 | Announcements | 0 Comments

Missouri is partnering with Google to expand free access to AI training, Google Career Certificates and education tools for job seekers, students and educators across the state.

First Christian Church to House Missouri Job Center

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

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

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.