Highly Skilled Talent

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

At more than 3 million strong, Missouri’s talent pool is deeper, more qualified, and more prepared to deliver the level of talent you need.

Missouri takes a strategic approach to workforce training and development.

Missouri One Start is the state’s premier workforce recruitment and training division. It helps eligible businesses of all sizes stay competitive by providing customized recruitment assistance and resources to train and upskill new and existing employees. Its recruitment strategies and training programs are tailored to the specific workforce needs of the businesses it serves, and 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
    On-The-Job Training
    DED

Missouri Takes A Comprehensive Approach to Talent

Missouri One Start is combined with other programs that offer:

Missouri’s graduation rate is 3% higher than the U.S. average, and the state’s hourly wage is 13.5% lower than the U.S. average. (BLS, 2022 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

With a higher graduation rate and a lower hourly wage than the national average, you won’t find a workforce better suited to make your hiring process as simple and seamless as possible.


A Diverse Talent Base

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

  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Aerospace and Defense
  • Agtech & Food Solutions
  • Energy
  • Financial and Professional Services
  • Geospatial Analysis and Cybersecurity
  • Health Innovation
  • Logistics and Distribution
Workforce by state in millions:
Missouri: 3.1
Arkansas: 1.4
Illinois: 6.2
Iowa: 1.7
Kansas: 1.5
Kentucky: 2.0
Nebraska: 1.0
Oklahoma: 1.8
Tennessee: 3.3
Workforce by state

Why Move or Expand to Missouri?

Home to many certified work ready communities, Missouri employees are hard-working, conscientious, engaged in workforce training opportunities, and display adaptability to technology and workforce evolution.

Additionally, 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 so much to offer, it’s hard to think of a reason why Missouri isn’t the right place to grow your business.


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, Business Recruitment

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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