By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA new center on the Missouri Western State University campus
in St. Joseph will help area residents acquire new skills while helping area
businesses find qualified workers.The Center for Workforce Development opened today.Executive Director Annette Weeks says Missouri Western
officials began talking about the possibility of a workforce development center
about seven weeks ago.“And with all the COVID happenings and the unemployment rate,
we wanted to help in the way that we can,” Weeks tells host Barry Birr on the
KFEQ Hotline. “So, yes, we are launching the Center for Workforce Development
and it will provide professional and continuing education courses; short-term
courses.”The Center offers a wide range of courses, including GED prep,
career development, computer skills, and entrepreneurship.Though located on the St. Joseph campus, the center at present
is only offering virtual instruction.“We have online courses, its all online right now, available,”
Weeks says. “So, this is our first phase. We will continue to build this out as
we meet the needs of the community.”Several courses are being offered and will provide
professional certification. Some target developing the area workforce to fit
the jobs available. Others will provide continuing education, while others will
help Missouri Western students add professional training to their degrees.Those interested do not have to go through the university. Several
business courses are offered, ranging from management to finance. Technology is
a big part of the curriculum with courses on computers, cybersecurity, and web
design among others. Career building, communication, even GED exam preparation
is also offered.

New center at MWSU will provide skill training, workforce development