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Central Region News & Updates
Discover the latest insights and developments in workforce initiatives across the Central Workforce Development Region.
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.
The Hardest Words in the Room
Every day, people walk through the doors of Central Region Job Centers and do one of the hardest things a person can do — they ask for help. So why is it so hard for the rest of us to do the same?
A Single Mom Bets on Herself and Builds a Healthcare Career (Stephanie’s Story)
ingle mom Stephanie Stapleton turned a low-wage gas station job into a healthcare career, earning her Medical Assistant certifications with WIOA Adult and Healthy Blue support.
Missouri Jobs Report: June 2026 — Employment Crosses 3 Million and Unemployment Drops to 3.7%
Missouri’s total nonfarm payroll employment crossed 3 million jobs in June 2026, and the unemployment rate fell to 3.7 percent — three-tenths of a point lower than a year ago. Here’s a breakdown of the latest data and what it means for mid-Missouri.
How a Wonderland Camp Partnership Is Turning Internships Into Jobs
A day of service at Wonderland Camp highlighted a partnership that keeps growing stronger, with former summer interns now hired on as camp employees
From the Marine Corps to the ICU: DeAundre’s Story
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 Sets Bold Goal: 100,000 New Apprentices by 2027
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 Jobs Report: May 2026 — Employment Grows and Unemployment Holds at 3.8%
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.
From Two Part-Time Jobs to a Full-Time Nursing Career: Meghan’s Story
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.
Episode 83: How to Make a Great Impression in Your First 90 Days on the Job
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.
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Episode 77: The Brain Science Behind Getting Things Done at Work
Learn the brain science behind accountability at work. This Workforce Link Podcast episode explains why some employees excel and how all Missouri job seekers and employers can build stronger habits.
Episode 76:Career Shifts: When to Move On and How to Do It Well
Discover the three cognitive habits that make people more accountable and productive at work. Learn how neuroscience supports better team performance.
Episode 75: AI, Automation, and the Future of Work: How Technology Is Changing Jobs
Explore how AI and automation are transforming jobs—and how job seekers and employers can adapt.