West Central
Meeting Tomorrow’s Workforce Needs, Today.
The Workforce Development Board (WDB) of Western Missouri, Inc. is a nonprofit organization created by community and local government leaders to serve job seekers, employers and other economic interests within the 13-county region.
Their Mission:
To provide services that match job seekers with employment opportunities as well as assist employers with finding qualified employees.
For over three decades, the Workforce Development Board of Western Missouri, Inc. has lead in the design, promotion, and oversight of innovative training, educational, and employment solutions for today and tomorrow’s workforce.
As a result, they have gained the experience, expertise, and pro-active approaches that are necessary to resolve the workforce challenges of the region.
West Central Labor Market Overview
The West Central Region of Missouri includes 13 counties and key cities such as Warrensburg, Sedalia, Lexington, Clinton, and Nevada. In 2023, the region employed 122,100 workers, making up 4.1% of Missouri’s workforce, with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, slightly above the state average. The workforce is aging, with 25.1% of workers aged 55 or older, and educational attainment is lower than the state average, with only 28.9% holding an associate degree or higher. The region has a higher-than-average disability rate (15.8%), and 5.6% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
The largest industries include health care and social assistance (16,500 jobs), manufacturing (13,200 jobs), and retail trade (11,000 jobs). From 2019 to 2023, employment grew by 3.6%, with gains in manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and food services. The region has high employment concentrations in gasoline stations, animal production, food manufacturing, and metal manufacturing, reflecting its strong presence in agriculture and industrial production. Future job growth is expected in healthcare, food services, education, and professional services, supporting long-term workforce needs.
The most in-demand jobs include retail sales, truck drivers, and healthcare roles such as registered nurses and nursing assistants. Online job postings indicate high employer demand for nurses, truck drivers, and retail supervisors. Employers cite hiring challenges due to a lack of skilled workers, with on-the-job training and workforce programs being key to addressing gaps. Projected job growth over the next decade will be driven by healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics, shaping the region’s labor market.
West Central Director
Missy Eidson
Local Plan
Explore our comprehensive strategy to drive workforce development and economic growth in the West Central Region.