Preparing the Workforce

Here’s how we are working to make sure Missouri businesses have
access to the talent they need.

DRIVER OVERVIEW

Through our Gallup research, we heard clearly that we need to invest in Missouri’s workforce. Only 44 percent of Missouri business owners are satisfied with the state’s availability of skilled workers. Employers cited weaknesses in the state’s ability to prepare, attract and retain workers.

Missouri must improve the education system at all levels and integrate the skills needed by businesses into every curriculum.

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No other issue is of more concern for businesses today. Missouri must improve the education system at all levels and integrate the skills needed by businesses into every curriculum. Gallup reported that a common sentiment was “unless Missouri changes the way we are preparing people for the jobs of the future, the current mismatch between employer skill needs and the talents of the workforce will widen.” Systemic education reform is needed, but it will take years. Therefore, initiatives that work around the current system must also be made available to help employers in the short term.

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WORKFORCE2030

The Missouri Chamber Foundation’s Workforce2030 report is a strategy to invest in workforce development and retention initiatives to attract and maintain a stronger workforce in our state.

goals and action steps

Click to read more about the progress we’ve made on this goal or action step.

Increase the voice of business and industry on education and workforce issues at the state and national policy levels

Hire a dedicated governmental affairs liaison to address workforce needs.
Advocate policy that competitively funds our K-12 and higher education systems, implements much-needed reforms, provides better support for high-performing teachers and administrators, and sets higher standards for Missouri students.

Optimize existing training programs and find innovative solutions to address gaps

Hold an annual training conference that brings together business leaders, community leaders, economic developers and workforce development professionals to share best practices and to align goals.
Support statewide deployment of the Certified Work Ready Communities (CWRC) program through a statewide public relations campaign.
Advocate for more effective use of state and federal training funding.

Align workforce needs with outcomes from Missouri’s education systems by facilitating research and collaboration between business leaders, educators, policymakers and workforce development professionals

Create an alliance called “Missouri 2030: Workforce” consisting of business leaders, educators and workforce development professionals charged with the creation of an actionable plan to address the gap between workforce supply and demand.
Commission a study/survey to identify gaps between student achievement and employer needs.

Increase the number of students considering technical employment, STEM and other targeted employment sectors by providing timely job, skill and wage information for students, parents and employers through a strong public relations campaign

Develop timely and informative, age-appropriate industry and occupation materials for students in middle and high school that also reference various educational and training pathways.
Invest in paid media, earned media, public service announcements and a social media campaign in targeted regions of Missouri.
Develop partnerships to channel information to students, parents and employers.

Expand relevant work experience opportunities throughout the education system

Build a system to promote internship opportunities to Missouri’s employers, K-12 schools, postsecondary institutions, students and parents.
Expand apprenticeship opportunities in high-demand fields.
Develop communication channels with high school counselors to encourage students to take rigorous courses and pursue relevant career pathways.

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Industry-Driven IT Apprenticeship Grant Program

The Missouri Chamber is the recipient of a $6 million Closing the Skills Gap grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. Read about how we’re using the grant to expand tech apprenticeships.

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SEE OUR PROGRESS ON THIS DRIVER

Use the interactive dashboard to view our progress toward our Preparing the Workforce goals.

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