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Central Region News & Updates
Discover the latest insights and developments in workforce initiatives across the Central Workforce Development Region.
Central Workforce Development Region Welcomes Lisa Buchanan to the Board
We’re excited to welcome Lisa Buchanan, Columbia Chamber VP of Workforce Development, to the Central Workforce Development Board.
Missouri Employment Report – June 2025: Job Growth Continues, Unemployment Rate Steady at 4%
Missouri added 7,900 jobs in June 2025 while the unemployment rate held steady at 4%. See job gains, losses, and year-over-year trends.
Austin and Drew Rogers Found New Roads Through CDL Training in Missouri
Austin and Drew Rogers boosted their income with CDL training in Missouri. Their story shows the power of workforce development and community impact.
Drew Rogers Shifts Gears and Finds Career Success with CDL Training in Missouri
Drew Rogers increased his income with CDL training in Missouri through the EDA Good Jobs Challenge. Read how he found a stable, higher-paying career.
Austin Rogers Found a New Road After High School Graduation (Success Story)
Austin Rogers boosted his income after CDL training in Missouri, thanks to the EDA Good Jobs Challenge. Here’s how he found career success.
Youth Hiring Event Connects Dozens of Young Job Seekers with Local Employers in Columbia
The June 25 youth hiring event in Columbia, MO connected 70 job seekers with 14 employers at the Columbia Public Library.
May 2025 Missouri Jobs Report: Employment Grows by 3,700 Jobs
Missouri added 3,700 jobs in May 2025, with year-over-year growth of 10,900 jobs. Get the latest employment and unemployment trends here.
Central Region Hosts Rapid Response Event at the Secretary of State Office
Central Region hosted a Rapid Response event to assist laid-off employees at the Secretary of State Office.
First Class Graduates from MOSOC Physical Security Training Program
Ten students graduated from the MOSOC Training Program, gaining skills in physical security and beginning paid on-the-job training.
Rolla Regional Hiring Event Brings Together Job Seekers and Employers
The 2025 Rolla Regional Hiring Event connected 79 job seekers with 39 employers at the National Guard Armory. Hosted by the Rolla Job Center and sponsored by Phelps County Focus, the event offered on-the-spot interviews, networking, and career opportunities.
High School Student Balances Leadership, Learning, and Work (Katie’s Success Story)
High school student Katie Carpenter builds confidence and career skills through a youth work experience program in St. James, Missouri.
Missouri Sees Slight Job Loss and Unemployment Uptick in April 2025
Missouri lost 6,600 jobs in April 2025, with unemployment ticking up to 3.9%. See what’s driving the changes across industries.
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Tune into The Podcast
Episode 54: How to Introduce Yourself in an Email
Is there a right or wrong way to send an email to a potential employer? Yes and yes, and we’re talking about it in this episode of The Workforce Link Podcast.
Episode 53: Navigating Disability Accommodations in the Workplace with Michelle Raz
Is it okay to ask for accommodations at work when it comes to function challenges like ADHD? And as an employer, how do you address those concerns?
Episode 52: How and When To Put Coursera Certificates on Your Resume
How and when should you put Coursera certificates on your resume? That’s what we’re talking about in this episode of The Workforce Link.