Four Missouri educational institutions have been awarded $5.9 million in truck driver training funds, part of a larger $30 million given to 19 organizations through workforce training grants awarded by the state department of economic development. The funding comes from the American Rescue Plan Act Workforce Training Grant program, launched last August with funds from the ARPA.

The grants will help Missouri companies address workforce shortages by recruiting and training thousands of residents, especially those who are at-risk and low-income. The grants will provide training for workers in child care, health care, broadband deployment and manufacturing. The highest award ($2.5 million) has been given to Meet The Need Inc., whose funds will be used to train 350 people for Missouri Class A and B commercial driver licenses, forklift operation, computer coding and shipyard welding. Ozark Action Inc. was awarded $300,000 to train 43 people for trucking, health care and manufacturing.

The ARPA Workforce Training Grants are an excellent way for Missouri organizations to address their workforce needs, enabling them to recruit and train more individuals. By investing in these grants, the state is giving more residents the opportunity to gain valuable skills that can lead to successful careers.