Training Opportunities
Community Colleges: Building & Sustaining a Skilled Workforce
Community colleges have long been vital centers of their communities, serving a wide variety of educational, societal and economic needs. According to the Association of Community College Trustees, community colleges award over one million credit-bearing credentials each year, functioning as the nation’s primary workforce education institution.
As local entities, the academic and workforce training programs at each of Missouri’s community colleges mirror the local economy by design. Our colleges work closely with employers to train, retrain and upskill workers in today’s highest-need industries – from advanced manufacturing to healthcare and everything in between.
Grant Programs
As an administrative entity, MCCA also collaborates on a number of grants to build and sustain a skilled workforce. MCCA currently serves as the program administrator for SkillUP and Missouri Apprentices in Advanced Manufacturing (MoAMP).
SkillUP
The SkillUP grant program is designed to engage SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program) recipients in education and training to achieve long-term employment in high-demand careers. The program offers a wide range of supportive services to help resolve barriers to training or employment.
MoAMP
The MoAMP Grant Program, led by St. Louis Community College and backed by a $12.5 million U.S. Department of Labor investment, is transforming Missouri’s advanced manufacturing workforce. Through strong partnerships with 433 employers, MoAMP created innovative apprenticeship pathways—pre-apprenticeships, unregistered, registered, and industry-recognized programs—providing over 5,800 participants with in-demand skills, credentials, and degrees. Focused on high-wage, high-skill careers, MoAMP empowers under-served populations, integrates stackable credentials, and connects training directly to career pathways. With proven success and scalable best practices, MoAMP is setting the standard for workforce development through modern, earn-and-learn models.