OTC joins statewide workforce development initiative

Ozarks Technical Community College and Missouri’s 11 other community colleges today established a statewide workforce development initiative.

Meeting at the state capitol in Jefferson City, the organizations formed the Missouri Community College Workforce Development Network. It’s designed to leverage the resources available at the 12 colleges so businesses have access to all of the state school’s expertise and materials, according to a news release.

“By breaking down these barriers and drawing upon our collective resources, each college is going to be able to play to its strengths,” said Community College Association President Rob Dixon, formerly of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, in the release. “We will be able to serve businesses in every square inch of the state.”

Currently, if a business approaches a community college that doesn’t have expertise in a certain field, that business may go without needed training or workforce development materials. Now, they’ll have access to a statewide database at community colleges.

The MCCA release cited systemwide community college cuts by Gov. Eric Greitens, noting withheld funds mean the schools must make the most of their existing resources.

“We understand the difficult budget situation facing the state, and with this partnership, we hope to help grow the state’s economy in two ways,” Dixon said in the release. “First, we want to help Missourians learn the skills they need to earn higher pay, and second, we hope to connect Missouri businesses with the workforce they need to grow and create jobs.”