Labor and workforce development

Labor and workforce development is part of Business and Communities Extension. Its mission is to help businesses and organizations address the emerging working challenges in the Kansas City Region, so that individuals and communities can thrive.

Many Missouri employers depend on young workers, but there are fewer of them to hire. A new brief from University of Missouri Extension notes that the state’s population of 16- to 24-year-olds has shrunk over the past decade even as a bigger share of young people are entering the workforce right after high school.

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Labor and workforce programs

All things Missouri- Workforce Development

Explore Missouri workforce development data, maps, tools, and resources to understand workforce trends, opportunities, and needs across the state.

Reimagining Your Workforce

Explore practical strategies for finding, hiring, and retaining talent from often-overlooked workforce populations.

Labor Law Series

Bringing labor, management, and legal experts together in a neutral space to open a dialogue about emerging workforce issues and legal developments.

Labor Education Program

The Labor Education Program is engaged in the development and delivery of high-quality leadership training programs for trade union leaders.

Heroes to Hives

Heroes to Hives seeks to address financial and personal wellness of veterans through free professional training and community development.

Show-me Strong Farm Families

Mental health resources for consumers and professionals to address mental health crises in rural areas.

MU Career Accelerator

Offers a variety of courses, training events, and certificates for strengthening workforces or advancing workers' careers.

Explore resources related to Labor Workforce and Development

Challenges of Long Covid cover

The Prevalence and Challenge of Long COVID: Implications for the Workforce

Missouri Economy Indicators, Vol. 7, Issue 09: Young Workers Trends (PDF)

Missouri Economy Indicators, Vol. 5, Issue 11: Declining Youth Population (PDF)

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Partner programs

Missouri Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)

Come to us for help starting, growing or exporting your small business.

TAAC

Mid-America Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (TAAC) administers TAAF, a federal program for expanding American manufacturers’ markets, strengthen operations and increase profitability.