Missouri made historic progress in 2019 on a number of important workforce initiatives—many of which were introduced at the Missouri Chamber’s 2018 Workforce2030 Conference. This year, the second annual Workforce2030 Conference returned to St. Louis on Oct. 15-16 to explore what our state must do to continue progress toward becoming a frontrunner in workforce development.
Growing, attracting, training and retaining workforce remains a key focus for employers. A recent Gallup survey of more than 1,000 Missouri business leaders found that only 15 percent think that high school graduates are prepared for the workforce, only 42 percent agree that college graduates are prepared for the workforce, and only 30 percent think that Missouri attracts and retains top talent.
Workforce2030 builds momentum for positive change addressing these concerns. Last year’s conference proved this concept as lawmakers proceeded to pass several ideas that were addressed at the conference and included in the accompanying Workforce2030 Report—an in-depth, data-driven analysis of our state’s workforce challenges, how Missouri stacks up to other states and best workforce practices from around the nation. These transformative new efforts included the Missouri Fast Track and One Start programs, incentivizing computer science learning in Missouri high schools and enabling business professionals to more easily obtain certification to teach in Missouri classrooms, among others.
The 2019 Workforce2030 Conference continued to foster collaboration between hundreds of professionals in business, education and government to further develop Missouri’s talent pool and job competitiveness.
Browse highlights from the event below.
Great to be back with @MissouriChamber for #Workforce2030. On top of this year’s legislative wins, we’ve had big wins in business investment and expansion.
Working together, we CAN create the strongest, most competitive, workforce for the next generation. #MissouriForward pic.twitter.com/plt77zXQWP
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) October 16, 2019
Thank you @GovParsonMO for rejoining us at our second annual #Workforce2030 Conference to share your vision for the future of Missouri workers. #MissouriForward #BestInMidwest #TalentForTomorrow #MO2030 pic.twitter.com/wWAGGbgnWO
— Missouri Chamber (@MissouriChamber) October 16, 2019
Way to go, #MO! #TeamDED Director @DixonRob & #MDHEWD Commissioner @zzmulligan discussed the historic multi-department state government reorganization that took effect in August & how it signaled a reset to #MO’s economic & workforce development strategies at #Workforce2030 today pic.twitter.com/G3BnPbyozt
— MO Department of Economic Development (@MoEcoDevo) October 16, 2019
Formerly incarcerated individuals are an underutilized source of talent, with 19,000 ex-offenders released in MO yearly. @MoCorrections' Shelle Jacobs discusses the state’s efforts to prepare them for jobs & how employers can help them find success. #Workforce2030 pic.twitter.com/z997sX4Aj2
— Missouri Chamber (@MissouriChamber) October 16, 2019
"Most people want to change"
Michael highlights the value of eliminating barriers to employment for people returning home from incarceration. We're thankful we had the chance to present alongside him at #Workforce2030 on reintegration and bringing workers off the sidelines https://t.co/rkvXewPKR8
— Connections to Success (@Connections1998) October 16, 2019
Hiring workers with disabilities is good for employees, it's good for customers and it's good for the bottom line. Learn more about the Missouri As a Model Employer initiative ➡️https://t.co/6pqMF5I84B @MentalHealthMO @GovParsonMO #Workforce2030 pic.twitter.com/Qg4dVNjd1Y
— Missouri Chamber (@MissouriChamber) October 15, 2019
Dr. Damion S. Jones with @Bayer said he no longer asks children what they want to be when they grow up. He has a better way of asking that question. #Workforce2030 pic.twitter.com/bAnTvIrSoM
— Missouri Chamber (@MissouriChamber) October 15, 2019
It's great to see the outstanding @umsystem pursuing partnerships with industry to improve Missouri's workforce. Thank you, President Mun Choi! #Workforce2030 pic.twitter.com/Zxrm59QM6Z
— Missouri Chamber (@MissouriChamber) October 15, 2019
Our #Workforce2030 attendees are fortunate to be learning from a true workforce innovator in @Enterprise Holdings. Enterprise employees have many opportunities to explore and test their strengths in different parts of the company. pic.twitter.com/wTQgM8Ji1o
— Missouri Chamber (@MissouriChamber) October 16, 2019
Medical marijuana—everyone’s talking about it, but what do employers need to know? Tracy Vandover of @CarmodyMacLaw came to #Workforce2030 to outline how this new law affects current drug testing policies & disability-related accommodations in the workplace. pic.twitter.com/D6YI657pTY
— Missouri Chamber (@MissouriChamber) October 15, 2019
.@JenningsSH_STL has developed business/community partnerships in innovative ways to offer their students career pathway exploration in high school. Jennings Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Dr. Rhonda Key came to #Workforce2030 to share how. pic.twitter.com/mtLePJxKcJ
— Missouri Chamber (@MissouriChamber) October 16, 2019
