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Central Region News & Updates
Discover the latest insights and developments in workforce initiatives across the Central Workforce Development Region.
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.
Building the Future of Early Childhood Education in Callaway County
A new youth apprenticeship program in Callaway County is training high school students for early education careers through hands-on experience and community support.
Supporting the Class of 2025 Into the Workforce
Discover how Missouri Job Centers help new graduates transition from school to career—featuring Dylan Green’s journey from student to master welder.
From Army MP to Federal Detective: Taylor Cortez’s Civilian Career Takeoff
Army veteran Taylor Cortez transitions from military police to federal detective with JVSG support and a clear career goal in forensics.
Honoring Wayne Houtman for a Dedicated Career of Service in the Central Region
After 17 years of service, Wayne Houtman retires from DHEWD, leaving a lasting impact on Veterans and workforce development in Missouri.
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Tune into The Podcast
Episode 51: How Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Way We Work with Christopher Lind
Artificial intelligence: is it going to take your job? We’re answering that question with Christopher Lind in this episode of The Workforce Link Podcast.
Episode 50: Why Job Interviews Aren’t As Scary As You Think
With a little preparation and confidence, job interviews can actually be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Episode 49: Bouncing Back After a Layoff with Tricia Sitemere
We can allow layoffs to make us bitter or better? Which one are you choosing? In this episode, we’ll talk about using them to our advantage.