Since its opening, the Office of Workforce Development at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) has provided a variety of training opportunities for area residents, including non-credit and for-credit programs.
To adapt to the changing needs of the area’s workforce, the office is transitioning its focus to non-credit programs in professional development, customized training and community education and changing its name to the Office of Workforce Development and Community Education, said Trevor Cressman, who became its director on May 27.
“I believe the mission of the workforce development and community education office is to support the community by adapting and meeting the needs of the job market and supporting individuals and businesses through workforce and professional training,” Cressman said. “We hope to become the primary resource for professional development and job upskilling in the region.”
To that end, Cressman said he is working on a partnership with a large workforce training provider that will give access to hundreds of advanced career training and workforce fundamental courses to area residents. He also is developing several new training options and workshops in house, he said.
“We will provide area workers with numerous training opportunities that not only prepare them to be successful in the workforce, but also can give them industry-recognized credentials,” Cressman explained. “In addition, we partner with many area organizations and agencies that can provide financial assistance to make these programs accessible for all.
“Our goal is to begin providing the community with a catalog of non-credit workshops and workforce training courses,” he said. “We want to be more active in providing these opportunities and find ways to incorporate the needs of businesses and the interests of individuals.”
In the coming weeks and months, Cressman will be spending time listening to business and industry officials about their needs and finding ways to meet those needs. “We encourage any business or industry that has training needs to reach out to us and see how we can work together,” he said.
Adding a makerspace
In addition to the name change, the renewed focus on non-credit programs and relocation from the Pace Industrial Science Center to Rooms 104-105 of Lybyer Hall, the office offers a makerspace for students, faculty, staff and the community.
According to Makerspaces.com, a makerspace is a collaborative workspace inside a school, library or separate public/private facility for making, learning, exploring and sharing that uses high tech to no tech tools. These spaces have a variety of maker equipment including 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, soldering irons and even sewing machines. Makerspaces are designed with the maker mindset of creating something out of nothing and exploring your own interests at its core.
These spaces are also helping to prepare those who need the critical 21st century skills in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). They provide hands on learning, help with critical thinking skills and even boost self-confidence, according to officials at Makerspaces.com. Some of the skills that are learned in a makerspace pertain to electronics, 3D printing, 3D modeling, coding, robotics and even woodworking. Makerspaces are also fostering entrepreneurship and are being utilized as incubators and accelerators for business startups.
“Our facility will provide access and education for maker technologies such as 3D printers, laser engravers, CNC machines, vinyl cutters and more,” Cressman said. “Stay tuned for more details about these plans.”
Growing trend for technical training
All of these changes, Cressman said, reflect the growing trend for technical training in education. “Higher education is always going to be needed in some shape or form, and I believe that higher education is going to start seeing more students interested in technical programs and trades,” he said.
“Similarly, I see the job market moving toward specific certifications, skill sets and proficiencies versus just degrees,” he added. “I believe that individuals can set themselves apart by not only receiving a degree, but also working towards industry recognized credentials in their fields. Many area employers have expressed a need for highly trained workers with the technical skills necessary to excel in their fields.”
New assistant director
Helping Cressman make these changes to the office is his new assistant director, Laura Underhill. The Arnold native began working for MSU-WP Sept. 4 after spending more than 20 years in education and business. She received an associate degree in computer information systems from Jefferson College before completing bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology at Jackson State University in Jackson, Alabama.
She spent 11 years in education working as a biology instructor and lab manager at Northwest Missouri State University and Gadsden State Community College and 11 years in business working as an analytical technician and IT specialist for Battell and Paychex, Inc., respectively.
Underhill said she believes her experience in both education and business will help her in her new role. “I have worked in industry and developed training plans for specific positions, and I have worked with students for the past 12 years. I have a unique view into both education and industry,” she explained. “I have been an active member of my small community for the past 20 years and understand the individual dynamics and cultures of small-town America.
“West Plains is a great community with many areas for growth,” she continued. “It looks like West Plains is in a great position to have slow, steady job growth which will allow for the city to plan for infrastructure so we can have growth and still have that small town atmosphere.”
Meeting the needs of that potential growth will require “listening to the community and being willing to adapt,” Cressman said. “Our university has seen a lot of change in the past few years, and it’s because we were willing to respond to the needs of industry and our students.
“Growing up in West Plains, it’s hard to not have an enormous amount of pride in many of the things we have done here,” he said. “I know many of our businesses, the city, our schools and the university have high hopes for our region and are committed to making West Plains the best it can be.”
For more information about the services and training offered by MSU-WP’s Office of Workforce Development and Community Education, call 417-255-7788, email TrevorCressman@MissouriState.edu or visit WP.MissouriState.edu/Workforce.