Show-Me State Times

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is backing a legislative proposal designed to gear students toward high-demand job sectors in the state. House Bill 331, introduced by Representative Ann Kelley, aims to establish a Career Tech Certificate Program and associated fund. This initiative plans to reimburse students for expenses such as tuition and books as they attain certificates or credentials in occupations where workforce shortages are identified.

The range of training programs targeted could include certified nursing assistant (CNA), emergency medical technician (EMT), and commercial driver’s license (CDL) courses. The Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education will update annually the list of career fields experiencing significant labor shortages.

Eligibility for the Career Tech Certificate Program requires students to meet the standards of the existing A+ Schools Program. Speaking to the Senate Education Committee, Kelley emphasized the program's potential impact: “This program ensures that Missouri is creating an opportunity for all students, not just for those students going to college. Our skilled trade careers have a huge workforce shortage, and this program will help meet those demands.”

Cade Tremain, Missouri Chamber Manager of Governmental Affairs, expressed his approval: “This will strengthen the public workforce, as well as strengthen the existing programs we already have.”

House Bill 331 has a counterpart, Senate Bill 150, sponsored by Senator Jill Carter, which saw success in the Senate earlier in March.

For further details, Cade Tremain can be contacted via email at ctremain@mochamber.com or by phone at (573) 634-3511.