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Central Region News & Updates
Discover the latest insights and developments in workforce initiatives across the Central Workforce Development Region.
How to Stay Focused When Work Gets Busy This Spring
As work picks up this spring, staying focused is key. Learn how to set clear priorities and keep your time centered on what matters most.
How Central Missouri Veteran Michael Turned a Career Setback Into a Fresh Start
Michael Casady served his country as a U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant. Back home in Missouri, he faced a different kind of challenge — losing a job he’d held for 20 years. Rather than give up, he went back to school, earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, and walked into the Columbia Job Center ready to start over. This is his story.
How Missouri Veteran Thomas Kusick Turned Military Skills into a Full-Time Career
Thomas Kusick served as a Combat Engineer with the Missouri Army National Guard, deploying to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. When he came home, he faced a new battle — finding steady work after sustaining a traumatic brain injury. With the support of the Columbia Job Center and his VA case manager, Thomas discovered his passion for carpentry and landed a full-time job. This is his story.
How Missouri Veteran Nathan Frock Turned Military Skills into a Full-Time Career
After leaving military service, Nathan Frock wasn’t sure what came next. With help from the Columbia Job Center and Missouri’s veteran employment services, he found a full-time career that puts his military skills to work.
WIOA Central Workforce Development Board Local Plan Modification – Public Notice – March 2026
Consistent with the “sunshine” provisions of WIOA sec. 107(e), the Central Workforce Development Board, comprised of 19 contiguous counties of Central Missouri, will have available for public review and comment a modification to its 2024-2027 WIOA local...
Central Workforce Development Region Connects with Students at Moniteau County Career Fair
Central Workforce Development Region staff connected with students and employers at the Moniteau County Career Fair at California High School, sharing youth and veteran services and supporting career exploration in Missouri.
ABEC to Host Interviews at Lebanon Job Center on March 4
ABEC will host an appointment-only interview event March 4 at the Lebanon Job Center for experienced welders, fabricators, grinders, and electrical assemblers.
Walk-In-Wednesdays Hiring Event Returns to Columbia on March 18
Walk-In-Wednesdays returns to Columbia on March 18 at the Columbia Public Library. Meet 13 employers hiring in healthcare, public safety, local government, skilled trades, and more.
Episode 80: Hiring for Attitude vs. Experience: Which Matters More?
When hiring, what matters more: attitude or experience? In this episode of the Workforce Link Podcast, we explore how employers can balance technical expertise and soft skills to build stronger teams and improve long-term retention.
Jamestown High School Students Explore Careers with Columbia Job Center
On February 20, Columbia Job Center staff visited Jamestown High School to provide virtual reality career exploration for juniors and seniors. Students used Transfr VR goggles to explore in-demand Missouri careers and learn about training pathways that support their next steps after graduation.
Boonville Correctional Center to Host Interviews on February 20 at Columbia Job Center
The Missouri Department of Corrections will host open interviews February 20, 2026 at the Missouri Job Center in Columbia, MO. Job seekers can meet directly with hiring staff and interview for Correctional Officer positions serving the Boonville facility.
Missouri River Towing Hiring Deck Hands at Lebanon Job Center on February 24
Missouri River Towing will host a hiring event on February 24 at the Lebanon Job Center, interviewing for Deck Hand positions with full-time schedules, daily pay, and advancement opportunities.
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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.
Episode 74: How Stacy Learned to Break the Cycle
Stacy Dismang Wright spent 21 years in prison. Now she’s helping others recover. Hear her powerful story of redemption, purpose, and second chances.
Episode 73: Breaking into a New Industry (Without the Experience to Match)
Learn how to break into a new industry without experience using real strategies like informational interviews and intentional networking.