August 2010

Director's Spotlight

WorkReadyMissouri: Enhancing Missouri's Workforce

Losing your job can be one of the most challenging times in your life. It may feel like the rug has been pulled out from under your feet with no warning. You’re left with questions like ‘how will I pay my mortgage?’, ‘how will I feed my kids?’, and ‘how will I find a new job?’ You may struggle with feelings of anxiety, stress or inadequacy. You will wonder how the skills from your previous job can be transferred into a new career. These concerns were considered and addressed with the development of a new jobs program, as it focuses on how to pair your current skills with an employer’s needs.

In his most recent effort to put unemployed Missourians back to work in the jobs of tomorrow, Gov. Jay Nixon has launched WorkReadyMissouri.

Recipients of unemployment insurance can sign up for WorkReadyMissouri to assist them in gaining employment. While participating in the program, job seekers are matched with businesses looking for workers. They receive training (up to 24 hours per week for up to 6 weeks) while receiving unemployment benefits and a training allowance to offset some of the costs associated with starting a new job.

WorkReadyMissouri also benefits participating businesses. It gives them access to pre-screened qualified trainees, and costs nothing. It is ideal for companies of all sizes, as they have the chance to evaluate and ‘try out’ potentials hires who have benefitted from pre-employment training. Businesses will be matched with skilled employees, and will not have to pay worker’s compensation insurance or wages for the duration of the training.