Located in:
- III. Operational Planning Elements
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include an Operational Planning Elements section that supports the State’s strategy and the system-wide vision described in Section II(c) above. Unless otherwise noted, all Operational Planning Elements apply to Combined State Plan partner programs included in the plan as well as to core programs. This section must include—
- a. State Strategy Implementation
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include–
- 2. Implementation of State Strategy
Describe how the lead State agency with responsibility for the administration of each core program or a Combined Plan partner program included in this plan will implement the State’s Strategies identified in Section II(c). above. This must include a description of—
- 2. Implementation of State Strategy
- a. State Strategy Implementation
III. a. 2. F. Improving Access to Postsecondary Credentials
Describe how the State’s strategies will improve access to activities leading to recognized postsecondary credentials, including Registered Apprenticeship certificates. This includes credentials that are industry-recognized certificates, licenses or certifications, and that are portable and stackable.
Current Narrative:
Demand for workers with some form of postsecondary credential remains higher than the number of Missourians with those credentials. About 40 percent of jobs require some education and training beyond high school, but less than a bachelor’s degree. Another 20 percent of jobs require a bachelor’s degree or higher.
The benefits of increased education go beyond a paycheck. Postsecondary credentials continue to be good for communities as a whole. These credentials contribute to better health, create engaged citizens, and lower incarceration rates. Creating opportunities and removing barriers to education and training will help the state fill skills gaps and support the economy.
Key to improving access to postsecondary credentials is ensuring that training providers are properly vetted and can engage and foster student completion of their programs. In 2023, Missouri’s ETPS completed an alignment process with the DHEWD to remove any questionable or ineligible training entities, and align the approval with DHEWD’s existing processes. This will assist in making sure that jobseekers are accessing the best training to meet their needs.
The MPWS is collaborating with DHEWD to bridge the gap between educational attainment and workforce participation. DHEWD’s strategic plan set goals of 60% of Missourians achieving educational attainment and 70% labor force participation by 2030. This includes equity focus goals of 60% and 70% for Black, Hispanic, and Rural populations. The MPWS focus is not only to help individuals attain the credentials, but that these credentials lead to quality, in-demand and self-sustaining jobs. Therefore, these credentials must be portable and stackable. The MPWS is also focusing on badging and micro-credentialing, which will enhance skill acquisition earlier in the customer’s educational path and assist in opportunities to stack credentials for better career pathway development.
To improve access to activities leading to postsecondary credentials, the MPWS partners with DHEWD to hold “FASFA Frenzy” events in job centers. Staff provide education and information on various financial aid programs, such as Pell, Access Missouri, Fast Track, Bright Flight, and A+. They also blend this information in with access to program funding, including WIOA, SkillUP, and funding provided through MVR and RSB. This partnering helps improve access to various avenues of aid and assists in removing cost as a barrier to obtaining credentials.
Missouri ranks in the top five states for the development of Registered Apprenticeships (RA). RAs are a valuable “earn as you learn” opportunity for jobseekers and epitomize an example of a good job with portable credentialing and career advancement. MPWS partners ensure improved access to apprenticeship credentials through the Missouri Apprenticeship Team, the yearly Statewide Apprenticeship Summit, the Office of Apprenticeship and Work-based Learning Council, participation in state and national speaking engagements, podcasts, and social media campaigns.
Beyond the credentials recognized by the Department of Labor, Missouri has established Missouri recognized credentials. Many of these credentials are starting points, which can lead to additional credentialing and can assist jobseekers in obtaining skills recognized by Missouri employers. These include the National Career Readiness Certificate, OSHA 10 training, and Missouri Job Ready Day One employability skills training.