SectorReady+ is a short-term training program designed to equip interested students and jobseekers with the skills and abilities necessary to enter and succeed into one of Southwest Missouri’s many growing industries.

With unemployment so low, many of our region’s industries are having trouble finding qualified workers to fill their open positions. This training seeks to help address that problem by connecting a steady supply of qualified applicants to hiring businesses. The curriculum within the SectorReady+ framework is business-driven, and is designed based on relevant employers’ specific input with regard to the skills, abilities, and credentials they want to see reflected in the region’s emerging workforce.

Interested jobseekers can apply below. Businesses interested in pursuing this type of training should email Sherri Rhuems. For more information on all of the registered apprenticeship programs available in Southwest Missouri, please click HERE.

The SectorReady+ Career Readiness program includes the following elements:

• Soft Skills Training
• Resume & Interviewing Preparation
• Financial Counseling
• Health & Wellness
• National Career Readiness Certificate
• Industry-Specific Classroom Training
• OSHA 10 / CPR / First Aid
• plus up to 300 Hours of Paid, Work-Based Learning with local businesses

The paid work experiences following the classroom training are dual purpose, providing students with valuable real world knowledge in the industry, and providing businesses an opportunity to screen candidates for further training.  Wage and work comp costs during this work-based learning are covered by the WIB, not the employer.

In-kind resources are essential to the SectorReady+ program’s success.  Whether it be a training space, lunch for students, building materials, or your particular expertise – whatever it might be, odds are, it can be put to use to make the training that much more of a success.  Please click here to contribute in-kind resources.

The WIB is a 501 c3 nonprofit, and is able to accept tax deductible financial contributions.  Such contributions are utilized for 1) supportive services for students and jobseekers in need (many people face barriers during their work to secure and maintain employment (i.e. transportation, childcare, etc.) – these funds help them stay focused and advance their training and career pathways) or 2) for building materials as part of the practical application of the program’s work experiences.  Please click here to make a financial contribution.

Students and jobseekers interested in SectorReady+ training need to fill out and submit the application, which can be accessed by clicking here (English) or here (Spanish).

After submitting your application, one of our job counselors will review it and reach out to you to let you know if you meet the eligibility requirements for the program.

Individuals can also visit their local job centers in Joplin, Neosho, or Monett to talk with a counselor in person about applying for enrollment in the SectorReady+ program.