Workforce Development improves its service in '03

By Kelvin Simmons

director

Department of Economic Development

JEFFERSON CITY -- A new report shows that our department's Division of Workforce Development (DWD) has improved efficiencies and is successfully meeting an increased number of goals in serving Missouri's workers and businesses, at a relatively low cost.

DWD staff just completed the study, which is called "Measuring Workforce Success." The data reflect the number of workers and employers served in Fiscal Year 2003 by all DWD programs, which include employment training, Missouri Career Centers and Workforce Investment Act programs. The report focused on several performance areas, such as job gain, return on investment, wages and training assistance.

Missouri's workforce system is designed to provide workers with resources they need to find good jobs, access job training programs and pursue new career opportunities. The workforce system is designed to help businesses find qualified workers quickly. All workforce services are free of charge to Missourians.

We are gratified to see so many of our residents take advantage of these services. The report estimates that a total of 250,356 workforce customers obtained employment. A reported 92,340 customers increased their earnings and 23,749 customers moved out of poverty. The report also shows an increase in the number of unemployed individuals who gained employment through workforce programs. That number increased from 103,545 in fiscal year '02 to 115,640 in fiscal year '03.

In the area of earnings, a total of 92,340 workforce customers increased their earnings by an average of $3,141 annually.

The DWD report also lists success in the training assistance provided to Missouri employers, enabling them to maintain a highly skilled workforce. About 23,856 workers took advantage of training assistance, up 2,912 from 2002. Of these workers with upgraded skills, they were able to increase their average wage to $18.93 per hour, an increase of $1 per hour from last year. These increased numbers paid off for Missouri employers and communities. More than $936 million in capital investment was generated by employers who received training assistance from DWD.

The return on investment for DWD has been extremely beneficial, according to the report. For every dollar of investment, workforce customers earned $19. This is a 58 percent increase from 2002, when DWD reported a $12 return on every dollar invested.

We are pleased with the results of the report, which reflects our commitment to help Missouri workers improve their skills and attain sound, stable employment. A qualified workforce is more important than ever before in accomplishing prosperity in the new knowledge-based economy.