Missouri Works Initiative

06/01/2026

Nearly a year ago, Jessica arrived in St. Louis scared, overwhelmed, and unsure of what came next.

Over the months that followed, she focused on building stability, skills, and confidence through Keyway’s programming, graduated from the Missouri Works Initiative ARM training program, rebuilt connections with her children, and continued her sobriety journey.

Today, she put that ARM certification to work—starting a new livable wage job and driving there in her newly purchased car.

The path wasn’t linear. There were roadblocks, hard moments, and detours along the way—but Jessica kept showing up, doing the work, and moving forward.

Today, in her words: “Life is really good.”

Healing, stability, and second chances are built one step at a time.

06/01/2026

St. Louis, it’s time to give up your dead-end job and get into a CAREER! Our St. Louis pre-apprenticeship programs in both construction and manufacturing start on Monday, July 6th, and we want to see you there.

Ready to learn more? Click here to register and sign up!

Missouri Works Initiative provides economic and job opportunities as well as training and resources for Missouri workers.

05/29/2026

The Missouri Works Initiative team was proud to show up and represent at the Fresh Start Resource Fair with St. Louis County Library and Beyond Housing, and at the Fathers and Families Support Center!

05/29/2026

Let's hear it for our newest graduating class from the Apprenticeship Ready Program in Construction, Mid-Missouri Cohort 9! Over the past weeks, we have watched them learn, grow, and gain the confidence and skills that will carry them far in their futures in the trades. Congratulations!

05/25/2026

We pause this to honor the courageous Americans who laid down their lives for our country. Their service and sacrifice will always be remembered with gratitude and respect.

05/22/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Apprenticeship Ready in Manufacturing Cohort 6! We are proud of each graduate for taking the next step toward a strong future in the manufacturing workforce. A special thank you to Julie Carter, Director of the Missouri Office of Workforce Development, for joining us to celebrate the graduates and share words of encouragement as they begin their careers. Cheers!

05/22/2026

Austin Fox welcomed two former Missouri Works Initiative graduates back today during graduation celebrations. Tylisha Leath, now a SMART Local 36 apprentice, and Ryan Moran, who officially completed his final class with the Carpenters and became a journeyman today, came back to support the next generation entering the trades.

Seeing graduates continue building successful union careers is what Missouri Works Initiative is all about.

05/22/2026

Past grads Lu and Vaugh recently spent the day continuing their education at the apprentice training center for the Painters Union. It’s always great to see workers building careers, sharpening their skills, and supporting each other along the way.

That’s what union careers and workforce development are all about.

05/22/2026

Thanks to DEWALT for a day of tool box talk and hands on demonstration of safe and proper tool use!

05/20/2026

Join us in congratulating our latest St. Louis cohort as they graduate from our Apprenticeship Ready Program in Construction! We were so happy to be a part of your journey, and can't wait to see where you go next.