Putting Missourians On A Path To Learn, Work, And Prosper

by Joel McNutt

Putting Missourians On A Path To Learn, Work And Prosper

The Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development (MDHEWD) is working to reduce barriers to educational attainment and workforce participation. After a reorganization of state government in August 2019, we are now uniquely positioned to serve both students and adults, making MDHEWD a key player in community development. With a vision to empower all Missourians with the skills and education needed for success, MDHEWD offers free resources for all career options beyond high school, for people of every skill level, and for all types of employers needing assistance.

After record-high unemployment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, OWD acted quickly to help Missourians get back to work. Partnerships with online learning platforms Coursera and CompTIA are still active, enrolling Missourians to learn new skills and earn certifications to advance in their career, or to find new opportunities for employment.

More than 25 Missouri Job Centers are located across the state to work directly with job seekers and employers. MoJobs and the new MoJobs Connect App, combined with virtual services both online and via telephone, help pair job seekers with interested employers. Job Centers offer resume assistance, mock interviews and even assessments, like WorkKeys and Talify, helping job seekers understand their skills and how to put their best foot forward when interacting with employers. Also, our Community Development team is committed to working directly with employers to find the best talent for their organization.

As the department works to operationalize our mission to put Missourians on a path to learn, work and prosper, financial aid opportunities for students and adults continue to be a focus. Federal training dollars, like the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA), the state’s Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant, and investments to expand apprenticeship programs help Missouri adults earn certificates or degrees in high-demand fields.

Through Registered Apprenticeship and work-based learning opportunities, Missouri helps employers build their own skilled workers. Missouri has consistently ranked in the top three in the nation for the number of Registered Apprenticeships, having recently met its statewide goal 30 months ahead of schedule of enrolling more than 20,000 apprentices by 2025.

By creating work-ready communities, we are identifying skill gaps, helping

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Missouri Office of Workforce Development Mission: Empowering Missourians with the skills and education needed for success.

educators build career pathways aligned with the needs of local business and industry. Today, Missouri leads the nation with more than 85 fully Certified Work Ready Communities, and more than 4,500 supporting employers.

Missouri continues to see more than 150,000 online job postings each week – with many employers looking for skills that can be developed through short-term certifications, registered apprenticeships, or online learning platforms that OWD currently offers.

Whether you are an employer looking to fill positions, a job seeker needing training or employment, or a student weighing their options for continued education, MDHEWD is community development. Be sure to check out our booth and connect with us at the MML Annual Conference in September. Our services are free, and we are here to help!

MO OWD Apprenticeship Accomplishments:

• Apprenticeship Missouri works with employers, providers and partners to build a diverse and skilled workforce in

Missouri through apprenticeship and work-based learning opportunities.

• Missouri currently ranks third in the nation for completed apprenticeships, fourth in the nation for new apprentices, and sixth for active apprentices.

• In FY 2021, Missouri had 14,520 active apprentices across 460 registered programs. Missouri ranks in the top 10 in the nation across four out of five categories for registered apprenticeships. Since October 2019, Missouri has seen 20,285 new apprenticeships and 8,140 completed apprenticeships.

• In 2019, Missouri established a goal of having 20,000 apprentices by 2025. Apprenticeship Missouri has surpassed this milestone 30 months ahead of schedule.

Learn more at www.moapprenticeconnect.com.

Questions? Contact: Joel McNutt, Community Development Manager, 573-751-1098. Joel.McNutt@dhewd.mo.gov Missouri’s OWD Community Development Team is available and ready throughout the state to assist communities and their employers with all of their workforce development needs. Their purpose is to help ensure Missouri’s workforce is skilled and ready to meet the current and future labor force challenges of tomorrow. Connect with our Community Development Team today to see how we can assist your community and employers with the strongest workforce development solutions possible and see what an impact connecting to the right resources can make in taking your community to the next level. Learn more about Missouri Workforce Development at the MML Annual Conference. Dr. Mardy Leathers, Director, Office of Workforce Development, is MML’s Wednesday morning keynote speaker!

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