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Empowering Missouri Veterans

Your Path to a Successful Civilian Career Starts Here

We prioritize Missouri veterans by offering comprehensive career services to help you transition smoothly into the civilian workforce.

Making Veterans a Priority

Dedicated Support for Missouri Veterans

At the Central Workforce Development Region, we understand the unique challenges faced by veterans transitioning to civilian life. Our dedicated team provides personalized career counseling, job placement assistance, and training resources to ensure you find meaningful employment. We offer no-cost services including career assessments, résumé and cover letter assistance, interview preparation, job search workshops, and access to labor market information. Our goal is to honor your service by helping you achieve your career aspirations.

Whether you are a veteran or a qualifying spouse, our services are designed to support your career journey. From on-the-job training programs like Show Me Heroes OJT to internships through the Career Skills Program, we offer various pathways to success. Our partnership with Fort Leonard Wood allows us to place transitioning service members into internships with civilian organizations, providing valuable experience and easing the transition to civilian employment.

See Qualification Requirements Below

No-Cost Services for Veterans

Career Assessment and Counseling

Receive personalized career assessments and expert counseling to help you transition smoothly into the civilian workforce.

Résumé and Cover Letter Assistance

Get professional help with crafting résumés and cover letters that stand out to potential employers.

Job Placement Assistance

Benefit from our job placement services to find the right job that matches your skills and career goals.

Qualification Requirements

To access our services, you must meet one of the following criteria:

A Veteran Who: Has served at least one day in active military, naval, or air service and was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

Or The Spouse Of: Any Veteran who died of a service-connected disability, any member of the armed forces serving on active duty who has been listed for at least 90 days as missing in action, captured in the line of duty, or forcibly detained by a foreign government, or a Veteran who has a total disability resulting from a service-connected disability, or died while such a disability was in existence.

Veterans’ Career & Employment Services

Priority of Service

Veterans and their families receive priority access to employment, training, and placement services, ensuring they get the support they need first.

Mo Heros

Our On-the-Job Training program allows veterans to earn while they learn, gaining valuable experience in their chosen career field.

Take the Next Step in Your Career

Are you ready to leverage your military experience into a fulfilling civilian career? The Central Workforce Development Region is here to support you every step of the way. Find a job center near you and start accessing our comprehensive services today.

Central Region News

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.

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.

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