Funding received for local job training

The board, which comprises Barry, Barton, Dade, Jasper, Lawrence, McDonald and Newton counties, will use the funds to create the Work Readiness Credential program. Job seekers who complete the program will receive certification for successfully demonstrating skills needed for entry-level positions.

About 2,100 jobseekers are expected to be trained and assessed through the program with the Missouri Career Center, according to a news release from the Missouri Department of Economic Development. Testing and training for the

work readiness credential is slated to begin in May.

The southwest regional board is made up of 23 private sector business

leaders and public sector employment and training professionals.

The program is part of the Missouri Regional Skill Gap Initiative, a cooperative effort between the state’s Department of Economic Development and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Funding is provided through employment and training programs in Missouri.

Several other work force investment boards are receiving funding.

The Northwest Investment Board will use $222,700 to establish Lifelong Learning Accounts. The savings accounts will allow employers to match pretax wage contributions of employees to finance their education and training.

The South Central Workforce Investment Board will receive $250,000 to help employers maintain and upgrade the quality of their work force. Funding also will be used to assist current and future employees in developing the skills necessary for job success.

The Kansas City and Vicinity Workforce Investment Board and the East Jackson County Workforce Investment Board together will receive $227,273 to train nurses as adjunct clinical staff members in a partnership with the Kansas City Metropolitan Health Care Council. The program also will fund training of new workers for various health care occupations.

The five regions were selected as part of a competitive process with reviews conducted by a panel of agencies. Greene County is included in the Ozark Region Workforce Investment Board and did not receive funding.