SLATE Marks National Workforce Development Month, Highlights New Career Pathways

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ST. LOUIS, MO - The St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE) is joining workforce organizations across the country in recognizing September as National Workforce Development Month. A strong workforce development system supports the economic health of the region and helps communities grow and thrive.

At its core, workforce development connects people with skills and opportunities while helping businesses build a qualified workforce. For job seekers, that may mean training, credentials or employment; for businesses, it can mean recruiting talent, training employees or developing long-term talent pipelines.

During Program Year 2024-2025, SLATE served 10,411 St. Louis residents and delivered 48,588 services. The agency also held 20 hiring fairs, partnered with 120 employers through those events, and served 574 veterans.

"Workforce development is ultimately about connecting people with opportunity and helping businesses find the talent they need to grow," said Connie L. Johnson, Executive Director of SLATE. "National Workforce Development Month allows us to highlight the many ways those connections happen every day in St. Louis and make sure residents and businesses know that SLATE is here to help. "

Workforce Development in Action This September

Throughout September, SLATE will connect residents with workforce resources and raise awareness of career pathways, reentry programs, emerging skills, and apprenticeships.

On September 3, SLATE will launch a new podcast highlighting workforce programs, career opportunities, and community partnerships. That same day, SLATE and the City's Division of Corrections will welcome the next cohort of Prison to Prosperity, a 10-week program that helps St. Louis City Justice Center residents build job-readiness and life skills in preparation for reentry.

Throughout September, SLATE will also continue offering Learn2Tech, which builds digital literacy and introduces participants to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

Apprenticeship education will be another focus throughout the month. SLATE's Workforce Strategic Planning & Innovation (WSPI) Committee will receive a special apprenticeship presentation, and the full St. Louis Workforce Development Board will receive training from the Missouri Office of Workforce Development on September 22. Beginning in September, SLATE's Adult/Dislocated Worker team will also incorporate apprenticeship training into its Friday WIOA Orientations at 2 p.m.

Expanding Apprenticeship Pathways in St. Louis

The September focus comes as SLATE expands its role in the apprenticeship system. Last month, SLATE was approved as an Apprenticeship Intermediary, allowing the agency to work directly with employers and community partners to help develop Registered Apprenticeship programs.

SLATE's first initiative as an intermediary is the Propel Kitchens Production Cook Registered Apprenticeship, approved by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Apprenticeship on August 6. The one-year, competency-based program combines structured instruction with approximately 2,000 hours of on-the-job learning.

Registered Apprenticeships combine paid employment, structured on-the-job learning and related instruction leading to nationally recognized credentials, helping participants build careers while giving employers a structured way to develop skilled workers.

The work also aligns with Missouri's broader effort to expand apprenticeship opportunities statewide. The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development has set a goal of serving 100,000 new apprentices by September 30, 2027, and supporting employers in creating new Registered Apprenticeship programs.

September 16 Apprenticeships & Trades Job Fair

A centerpiece of the month's activities is SLATE's Apprenticeships & Trades Job Fair on September 16, from 9 a.m. to noon at the SLATE Missouri Job Center, 1520 Market Street. Job seekers can explore employment opportunities, skilled trades, training and apprenticeship pathways, and learn how apprenticeships can lead to long-term careers.

Participants are encouraged to create or update their profile at jobs.mo.gov before attending. Employers interested in developing Registered Apprenticeship programs are also encouraged to connect with SLATE to learn how the agency can help.

"Workforce development works best when residents, employers, educators, and community partners are connected," Johnson said. "That is the role we want SLATE to continue strengthening-not only during September, but throughout the year."

For more information about SLATE services, apprenticeship opportunities, or the September 16 Apprenticeships & Trades Job Fair, call (314) 589-8000 or visit stlworks.com.

About SLATE Missouri Job Center
SLATE is the City of St. Louis government agency providing no-cost services to job seekers and businesses, including employment assistance, job training, and career advancement opportunities. Since 1975, SLATE has remained committed to developing a strong, inclusive workforce that supports economic growth throughout the city. For more information, visit www.stlworks.com or call (314) 589-8000.