Missouri One Start

53% of Gen Z workers say that jobs in skilled trades and manual labor feel more secure. Moreover, these jobs require AI-proof skills that algorithms can't replicate. With uncertainties surrounding AI and the value of some college degrees, many Gen Zers are looking toward blue-collar jobs. These roles feel like safer options, with factors like higher pay, more job opportunities, and greater flexibility and independence all playing a role. Learn more about Gen Z's view of work and careers at the link in the comments.

The Agile Work Profiler (AWP) was publicly launched in 2019 by The Debruce Foundation in Kansas City. The AWP helps anyone searching for a career by providing a free career assessment to help find a good fit. Since its launch, it has been taken in all 50 states. This is one of several resources available to Missourians to find potential career options by increasing job awareness. To learn more, read Missouri One Start’s article, “Moving Forward: Missouri’s Future in the Face of Workforce Shortages” at the link in the comments.

Total Career and Technical Education (CTE) participation in Missouri has reached 241,857 people, with 65% of all high school students enrolled in at least one CTE education program in 2023-24. That's the result of more than 20 years of work by the Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education via its grassroots campaign promoting CTE. Programs are offered in business, health sciences, agriculture, skilled technical sciences, human services, family consumer sciences, marketing, and technology and engineering. Read more about how the state is working to change the narrative about degrees and education in Missouri One Start’s “Moving Forward: Missouri’s Future in the Face of Workforce Shortages”. The link is in the first comment.

Our New Jobs and Job Retention Training Programs Coordinator, David Prey, visited Mineral Area College this week. Their Office of Workforce Development offers customized training services for new and incumbent employees to help local companies improve business effectiveness. We greatly appreciate the hard work of our local education partners, as well as the opportunity to visit their facilities and hear about their training programs. Thanks again for your warm hospitality!

Our team was proud to join Jefferson College last week as they cut the ribbon ✂️ on their new Workforce and Employment Services (WES) center. This investment in workforce training will help employers build stronger talent pipelines and support the region's economic future. Congratulations to everyone who made this project a success!

Missouri’s youth labor force participation rate (ages 16-19) is 8.7% higher than the national rate. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Missouri’s rate in 2023 was 49.3%, whereas the U.S. rate was only 40.6%. This means that Missouri is better equipped to deal with workforce needs in critical roles that don’t require a four-year degree, since many of these roles are filled by young workers. Click the link in the first comment to discover more Missouri workforce data.

The Missouri One Start team had the pleasure of touring the Altec facility in St. Joseph, the company's largest manufacturing division. This location produces a variety of equipment such as digger derricks and aerials used by workers in electric utility, tree care, telecommunications, and lights and signs. The St. Joe facility is also home to quite a bit of history, including the first Altec Digger Derrick built in 1975. This original unit has been restored and is now displayed in the lobby of the facility (and we were lucky enough to get a picture in front of it!) Our team also got an up-close look at each step in the manufacturing process. Many of these roles require specialized training, which Altec conducts on-site in partnership with Missouri One Start and North Central Missouri College. Many thanks to [Altec] for the in-depth tour!

Currently, Baby Boomers hold 51% of all wealth in the United States, according to Lightcast. That’s nearly double the amount held by Gen X, and nearly quadruple the amount held by Millennials. Lightcast contends that this high share of wealth has caused a lower workforce presence in the following generations, contributing to a lower youth workforce participation rate. When compared to Boomers, over twice as many Millennials did not get their first job until they were at least 20 years old. Get the full article at the link in the first comment.

We’re Hiring a Copywriter/Marketing Assistant! Missouri One Start is ranked #5 in the U.S. for workforce training, and we’re looking for a new teammate to help us tell our story. In this role, you’ll: ✳️ Write blogs, case studies, thought leadership, and social media posts that showcase how workforce training helps businesses and employees succeed. ✳️ Turn research and data into engaging stories that resonate with executives, partners, and industry leaders. ✳️ Support the team with organizational tasks, keeping projects on track in Asana. ✳️ Collaborate with a small, high-performing team that values creativity, teamwork, and impact. What we offer: ✅ Health insurance (vision and dental options) + a pension plan ✅ 13 paid holidays/yr, three weeks of annual leave, plus sick leave ✅ The chance to do meaningful work that helps Missourians prosper We’re looking for a creative, detail-oriented professional with strong organizational skills who thrives in a deadline-driven environment. 📍 Location: Jefferson City, Missouri 👉 Apply today at: https://lnkd.in/ggk4q-t5

Today, our Director, Kristie Davis, joined leaders from across Missouri to discuss The Governor’s Workforce of the Future Challenge at the annual Governor's Conference on Economic Development. Her insights on employee training underscored the importance of strengthening career and technical education systems to ensure Missouri’s workforce remains prepared and competitive. We’re proud to see her representing Missouri One Start in this critical conversation. #LetsGetStarted #WorkforceDevelopment #MOWorkforce #HelpingMissouriansProsper Missouri Economic Development Council (MEDC)