April 27, 2024

By Janice Phelan
Communications and Marketing University of Central Missouri-Missouri Innovation Campus

Area adults interested in a new career or job advancement now have the opportunity to obtain a variety of services related to workforce development and training at a recently opened satellite office at the University of Central Missouri’s Lee’s Summit campus.

Representatives from the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) as well as the Full Employment Council (FEC) will operate out of UCM’s Missouri Innovation Campus from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Services available to both adults and students through these organizations include daily workshops on how to successfully create a resume, job interviewing skill sessions and quarterly hiring fairs, all at the Lee’s Summit location. In addition, the satellite office offers monthly testing through WorkKeys, an assessment designed to help people determine their best choices for career success.

“MDHEWD is very excited about the opportunity to be part of the Missouri Innovation Campus,” said Julie Carter, director of the Office of Workforce Development. “This satellite office provides an opportunity to serve all students on campus and offer the community access to invaluable free job center services.”

FEC representatives will also work with individuals to help them learn if they are eligible for scholarship funding for the University of Central Missouri’s industry-recognized certificate programs. Previously, those interested in scholarships had to travel to the organization’s Kansas City location for assistance.

The new satellite office is designed to provide a one-stop, more convenient location for residents of Eastern Jackson County, Cass County and other areas outside the metropolitan area. All services are offered free of charge.

“Having a one-stop shop for free resume and interviewing workshops as well as targeted job fairs is yet another way UCM serves our local community,” said Clarinda Dir, UCM workforce and professional education manager. “Prospective students will also be able to apply for scholarships and learn if they qualify for grants to pay for their certificate training. By welcoming MDHEWD to the Lee’s Summit campus, we are continuing to support our values of community, diversity, learning and opportunity.”

For more information about the new satellite office, email [email protected] Additional information about the services are also available at jobs.mo.gov. To learn the latest news about workforce events planned at this Lee’s Summit location, sign up for UCM Lee’s Summit’s newsletter.

The collaboration is especially advantageous to Lee’s Summit area residents since UCM’s Missouri Innovation Campus is also home to the university’s Center for Workforce and Professional Education. From this location, UCM offers both professional education and career certificate programs in high-demand areas such as healthcare, information technology, business and advanced manufacturing. Courses are offered in-person, online and hybrid to fit the needs of busy adult learners. A number of courses can be completed in as little as six weeks. Qualifying students have the opportunity to obtain debt-free scholarships covering their program’s cost.