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U.S. Department of Commerce, Missouri Boost Training for Missouri’s Growing Workforce

  • April 13, 2021

Construction is ready to begin on the Ranken-Ashland Skilled Trade Training Facility, a construction trade and medical services workforce development training center, in Ashland, Missouri. The completed project is expected to create more than 160 new jobs in the region.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo recently announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) was awarding a $4.5 million grant to the Southern Boone County R-1 School District, in Ashland, for the new facility.

“Now more than ever, Missouri needs skilled, resilient workers to help move our economy forward, and workforce training facilities are a critical part of this,” said Governor Mike Parson. “This project is another great example of what we can accomplish when education, government, and the private sector work together, and we look forward to the opportunities it will bring to our students and surrounding communities.”

At more than 3 million strong, Missouri’s talent pool is top-tier and highly skilled in key growth areas, including advanced manufacturing, agtech, financial and professional services. With more than 85 counties across the state recognized as ACT Certified Work Ready Communities, Missouri is committed to continuing to grow its workforce into the future.

“Today, there’s a gap between industries that need high-skilled workers and the number of trained workers available,” said Missouri Senator Roy Blunt. “This grant will help ensure mid-Missouri has the highly-skilled workforce it needs to recover from the 2019 natural disasters and to create long-term economic growth in the region. I’m glad to see funding provided by Congress continues to support hard-working Missourians and their families.”

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