Missouri AFL-CIO Launches New Workforce Initiative

The Missouri Works Initiative aims to provide economic opportunities to Missourians.

Jefferson City, MO: The Missouri Works Initiative has been formed to eliminate barriers to economic opportunities by connecting Missourians to the necessary resources to build life-sustaining careers. Serving as a non-profit organization affiliated with the Missouri AFL-CIO, the Missouri Works Initiative is strategically positioned to address the state’s changing workforce needs. The initiative aims to address workers’ needs by creating health and recovery friendly workplaces, connecting laid off workers with job-search or upskilling resources for future employment, or collaborating with community partners to offer innovative points of entry to traditional apprenticeship opportunities.

“The Missouri Works Initiative is a big step in lifting up all workers across Missouri,” stated Greta Bax, Executive Director of the Initiative. “Our expert team, network of labor professionals, and community-based organizations stand ready to work toward the shared goal of creating economic opportunities for all Missourians.” 

The Missouri Works Initiative includes four major programs:

• The Missouri Apprentice Ready Program is a collaborative partnership with the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development that will offer a 5-week introduction to the construction industry to qualified participants in Kansas City and Springfield, working toward the goal of increasing the number of Missourians participating in registered construction apprenticeship programs. 
• The Building Union Diversity (BUD) St. Louis Program aims to address the growing need in the construction industry for a skilled and more inclusive workforce. The BUD Program was established in 2014 and has successfully graduated 21 classes. 
• The Worker Wellness Program will work to ensure that all workers have access to timely information regarding mental aspects of safety on the job and in the community.
• The Dislocated Worker Program connects dislocated workers to resources and assistance they need to re-enter the job market quickly following a closure or layoff. The Dislocated Worker Program has been a project of the Missouri AFL-CIO for over 20 years. 

“Missouri Works Initiative is uniquely positioned to take on the role of expanding pre-apprenticeship programs statewide because of its partnerships and connections across Missouri with Organized Labor, registered apprenticeship program coordinators, contractors and employers,” stated Missouri AFL-CIO President Jake Hummel. “I am excited to expand upon the years of success the AFL-CIO has achieved for workers.”

For more information about MWI’s programs and staff, please visit moworksinitiative.org or follow us on Twitter @MissouriWorks and on Facebook @Missouri Works Initiative.