Highly Skilled Talent

Missouri Leads the U.S. in Workforce Development & Training

At more than 3 million strong, the Missouri workforce is large, qualified, and well-suited to build the team your company needs to succeed.

Not only is Missouri proud to offer one of the largest and most skilled workforces in the region, but we also take a strategic approach to workforce training and development.

Missouri One Start, the state’s premier workforce recruitment and training division, helps eligible businesses of all sizes stay competitive with customized recruitment assistance and resources to train and upskill employees.

Missouri One Start’s recruitment strategies and training programs are tailored to the specific workforce needs of the businesses it serves. Training can take place on the job, at a company facility, or in a training center, depending on company needs.

Qualified companies may also be eligible to receive relocation reimbursement for full-time employees relocating to Missouri for a new job.

Workforce Rankings

  • 3rd
    New Apprentices
    U.S. Dept. of Labor
  • 2nd
    Completed Apprenticeships
    U.S. Dept. of Labor

Missouri Takes A Comprehensive Approach to Talent

Missouri’s competitive cost of living and vibrant culture enables employers to provide employees with a high quality of life at a lower cost than almost anywhere in the U.S.

With a higher graduation rate and a lower hourly wage than the national average, the Missouri workforce is well-suited to make your hiring process as simple and seamless as possible.

Our state puts a strong focus on helping Missourians reach their full potential. To benefit our communities and the companies doing business in the state, Missouri One Start is combined with other Missouri workforce development programs that offer:

Missouri population graduation rate
Missouri’s graduation rate is 3% higher than the U.S. average, and the state’s hourly wage is 13% lower than the U.S. average. (BLS, 2023 annual and National Center for Education Statistics)
  • Free community college degrees for adults
  • Retraining of prisoners so they are ready to reenter the workforce
  • A complete customer-centric overhaul of the Department of Economic Development, and
  • A strategy focused on solving the problems businesses face

A Diverse Talent Base

Our state boasts quality talent in several different industries, including key growth areas such as:


Why Move or Expand to Missouri?

Home to many certified work ready communities, the population of Missouri is hard-working, conscientious, engaged in workforce training opportunities, and displays adaptability to technology and workforce evolution.


Connect with our team today to learn about the specific solutions we offer to help satisfy your workforce talent acquisition needs. With Missouri Partnership, we’ll make sure that you grow with the right people.

Meet Our Expert

Cara Weber

Vice President, Special Projects

Contact Us

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Related Downloads

Missouri Workforce Profile (pdf)

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Missouri Workforce Profile (excel)

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Missouri Demographic Profile

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