Missouri’s Department of Economic Development has recently distributed $30 million in funding to 19 partner organizations – four being educational institutions. The generous grants will enable these selected schools to equip their students with the necessary skills for truck driver training, totaling at a whopping $5.9 million.
“From day one, our administration has made it a top priority to ensure employers have the workers they need to expand and grow,” said Gov. Mike Parson in a recent announcement. “A stronger workforce means a stronger tomorrow, and this program will go a long way in ensuring Missouri workers can meet the demands of the future.”
Launched last August and funded by ARPA, the grant program is aimed at recruiting thousands of Missourians for the workforce. This initiative is set to provide training opportunities particularly geared towards those with limited resources or who may be at-risk individuals.
Grants have been distributed to several organizations for a variety of workforce training projects such as childcare, health care, broadband deployment manufacturing and trucking-related activities. The Junior College District of St. Louis along with the Community College District of Mid Missouri were among institutions that received much needed funds and two workforce development organizations will be utilizing the funds for trucking-related training programs.
Meet The Need Inc. was presented with the highest award, totaling $2.5 million, for their trucking-related training initiatives and is determined to put this money towards good use as they will be providing 350 Missourians in 11 counties access to Class A/B driver licenses, forklift operation education courses and welding instruction at local shipyards! Coding classes are also included in this ambitious endeavor.
JCD is investing more than $2.1 million to guarantee that 196 individuals in Missouri receive quality CDL Class A and B trucking training, as well as hazardous materials endorsement courses. This investment of resources helps JCD continue its mission: providing educational opportunities for the 30,000 students enrolled in St. Louis Community College’s three campuses and four extension centers across the state.
The Community College District of Mid Missouri has leveraged their $999,000 grant to provide training opportunities that equip 330 people with Commercial Driver Licenses (CDLs). This award will benefit 14 distinct areas and ensure more individuals become certified in the essential profession.
“This program is going to help employers in critical industries find the workers they need to propel our economy forward,” said Maggie Kost, acting director of the Department of Economic Development. “At the same time, it will equip real people with job skills that improve their lives, provide for their families, and benefit their communities.”
Ozark Action Inc. has been granted $300,000 to equip 43 individuals with the skills needed for successful careers in trucking, healthcare and manufacturing.
“Our team has worked hard to make the Workforce Training Grant Program as efficient as possible in helping Missouri’s workforce recover from the impact of the pandemic,” said Kristie Davis, director of Missouri One Start, the state’s workforce recruitment, training, and upskilling division. “This program is advancing our goal of helping workers develop their skillsets while ensuring companies can recruit the talent they need.”
Source: ttnews
