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New Workforce Development Center Opening in Missouri

  • February 18, 2021

A Missouri community is taking action to ensure employers in the region have an abundance of skilled talent. Construction is underway on the new Lincoln County Workforce Development Center in Troy, Missouri. The 24,000 sq. ft. facility will provide hands-on training in advanced manufacturing, agtech, energy solutions, and various building trades.

“Lincoln County firmly believes that an educated, skilled workforce is essential to the growth and success of our community,” said Julie Rodgers, Executive Director of Lincoln County Economic Development. “We believe the keys to this involve accessible education opportunities for all. Based on community needs, we are looking forward to the Workforce Development Training Center being a benefit for both employers and students, and could not be more excited about our partnership with Ranken Technical College.”

Leaders in the community collaborated with local business executives to identify workforce needs and address them at the new Workforce Development Center. Lincoln County is home to thriving businesses across several industries, including automotive supplier Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Missouri, food solutions giant Daddy Ray’s Inc., and Witte Brothers Exchange Inc., a leading logistics company.

“Communities willing to invest in innovation initiatives, such as the Lincoln County Workforce Development Center, will thrive in the future, while others continue to flounder in the past,” said Stan Shoun, CEO of Ranken Technical College.

The new training facility is open to anyone in the community that is interested in learning new trades or upskilling. High school students will receive credit for taking classes at the center.

“As we begin to see the new Ranken West facility come out of the ground this spring, it feels like the culmination of a long-awaited dream for our community,” said Dr. Mark Penny, Superintendent of Schools for the Lincoln County R-III School District. “Bringing a workforce development center to Lincoln County has been in the works for over 5 years. With the start of classes in the fall of 2021, we look forward to continued partnerships and the opportunities that Ranken’s programs will bring to the students of our area.”

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