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

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.

Missouri Leaders Gather at Mizzou to Advance Workforce Pell and AI Initiatives

State higher education and workforce leaders gathered at the University of Missouri in June to discuss Workforce Pell implementation, AI talent development, and the future of education and training in Missouri.

Built to Rebuild: How Veteran Donald Jones Welded His Past to a New Future 

Justice involved and rebuilding his life at a veterans shelter, Donald Jones connected with the Columbia Job Center. With support from Ricardo Garay and the JVSG program, he’s now working at Kraft and building toward what’s next.

From Navy Flight Officer to Lead Pilot: Chad’s Story

Retired Naval Flight Officer Chad Lukins wanted to become a commercial pilot. With support from the Columbia Job Center’s veteran services, he earned his CFI and ATP credentials and is now lead pilot at HTH Companies, Inc.

Missouri Jobs Report: April 2026 — Employment Rises and Unemployment Drops to 3.8%

Missouri added 12,000 jobs in April 2026 and the unemployment rate fell to 3.8 percent, continuing to outpace the nation. Here’s a breakdown of the latest labor market data and what it means for workers and employers across mid-Missouri.

Capital City Hiring Event Connects 94 Job Seekers with Employers in Jefferson City

The Capital City Hiring Event welcomed 94 job seekers and more than 20 employers to Jefferson City, creating valuable connections while highlighting workforce services available through the Jefferson City Job Center.

From the Front Lines of EMS to a Full-Time Nursing Career: Kalyn’s Story

Kalyn Smith was working part-time in patient care and EMS when she set her sights on nursing. With support from WIOA Adult, EDA, and Healthy Blue, she’s now a full-time RN at Boone Health.

Nearly Double the Wage, Twice the Opportunity: Colin’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.

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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