New SEMO WORKS Expands Apprenticeship Opportunities Across Southeast Missouri

• June 02, 2026

Southeast Missouri Regional Economic Development Inc. (SEMO REDI) has launched SEMO WORKS: The Apprenticeship Network, a new regional initiative designed to connect businesses, educational institutions, and individuals with apprenticeship opportunities across Southeast Missouri. The network is now active through ApprenticeSEMO.com.

Serving an 18-county region, SEMO WORKS connects individuals with apprenticeship and training opportunities while helping businesses build and expand apprenticeship programs through workforce and education partnerships.

Apprenticeships across industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, IT, and construction, are helping strengthen Southeast Missouri’s workforce by creating long-term career pathways, improving talent retention, and supporting regional economic growth.

“We built SEMO WORKS because no single institution can solve the workforce challenge alone,” said Shad Burner in a statement shared by SEMO REDI. “Our role is to help connect the pieces by matching businesses with the right training partners, making apprenticeships visible across the region, and making it easier for employers and workers to get started. That work is underway now at ApprenticeSEMO.com.”

Programs like SEMO WORKS demonstrate how Southeast Missouri is taking a proactive approach to workforce development, helping growing companies access the talent and training partnerships needed to scale successfully.

Learn more about the Southeast Missouri Region.