Area counties to receive $150k to improve workforce

Nearly $150,000 will be infused into four Southeast Missouri counties to help build a more connected, comprehensive workforce system.

The funds are part of a $1.7 million workforce development initiative by the Delta Regional Authority, which started this summer in efforts to identify opportunities and implement strategies to improve workforce systems across its eight-state footprint.

The DRA announced Tuesday that $148,000 would be awarded for Cape Girardeau, Scott, Butler and Stoddard counties to "identify new strategies for the Southeast Missouri region to appeal to younger students in career exploration efforts, assist regional businesses in workforce recruitment and retention efforts and plan for an emerging challenge in information technology positions in area companies needing a highly trained workforce in a mostly rural region."

DRA Federal co-chairman Chris Masingill said in a Tuesday conference call announcing the awards that workforce training and education is "No. 1" when it comes to building communities and creating jobs.