Calling all Missouri employers, the gates are about to open for the second application period of the Credential Training Program, which starts January 1, 2025, as announced by Missouri One Start, a division of the Department of Economic Development. This competitive grant aims to buffer the costs companies endure for short-term, industry-related employee credentialing, serving as a boon to businesses looking to upskill their workforce.

In a statement obtained by Department of Economic Development, Kristie Davis, Director of Missouri One Start, captured the essence of the program’s importance, “What’s exciting about this opportunity is that it provides resources to assist Miwssouri companies of all sizes, and in any industry, to upskill their employees or prospective employees,” and she emphasized the need for continual workforce development amidst technological advances and industrial shifts which supports the growth of the economy, helps the expansion of our talent pipeline.

For companies that have been eyeing this program, there’s a window of time throughout January to submit applications, says Program Coordinator Sarah Brockes-Miller, “Obtaining proper credentials can be expensive,” she explained, highlighting that the program offers reimbursement up to $2,000 per employee for credentials successfully earned, making it an attractive prospect for employers facing the hefty costs of credentialing employees, as per Department of Economic Development.

Each company is limited to awards of $30,000 per fiscal year, with the overall program capped at $6 million, which is subject to annual appropriation, and moving forward, applications will be welcomed every quarter—January, April, July, and October—creating ample opportunities for businesses to benefit multiple times a year. After an employer lands a spot in the program, they will receive a preliminary award letter, and then the clock starts ticking, giving the employee 12 months to earn their credential, and upon success, proof of the earned credential will see the business reimbursed.

For those looking for more information, guidelines for the Credential Training Program are available to peruse, and promotional materials can be accessed on the official Department of Economic Development page. Further inquiries can be directed to [email protected]. And for a deeper dive into Missouri One Start and its offerings to enhance business competitiveness through customized workforce training and recruitment, visit their website.