KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar BluffMissouri job training programs see huge increase in last year

Missouri job training programs see huge increase in last year

By Kathy Sweeney - bio | email

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KFVS) - Nearly 400,000 Missourians looked for help as they looked for work in the past year. 

A new report released Wednesday by the Missouri Department of Economic Development highlights significant increases in the number of people seeking job training and help finding work.

According to the report, during the period of July 1, 2008-June 30, 2009:

• 398,092 Missourians received services through Missouri Career Centers-a 70% increase from the previous program year.
• Training assistance was provided to 243 Missouri companies to train 32,468 workers earning an average wage of $19.50 an hour through the Missouri Customized Training Program.
• 22,074 adults, dislocated workers and youth received Workforce Investment Act-funded career assistance services.
• 24,007 veterans received intensive employment assistance.
• More than 7,800 Missouri youth were provided on-the-job training and work experience at over 2,100 employers through the Next-Generation Jobs Team.

"Creating new jobs for Missourians will always be the number one priority of the Missouri Department of Economic Development," said Katie Steele Danner, Interim Director of the DED. "This report illustrates the level of excellence maintained by our workforce system leaders and professionals to ensure Missouri's job seekers and businesses can depend on the best career services available."

Missouri has 43 career centers that offer federally-funded and state-funded career assistance and training, including locations in Cape Girardeau, Sikeston, Caruthersville, Poplar Bluff, Kennett, and Park Hills.

For more information, visit the Missouri Department of Economic Devleopment website.

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