Workforce Information

Step 1: Assess Yourself

Choosing a career requires that you understand yourself. You should know how your interests, skills, and values match potential career pathways and education options. Interest inventories are a great tool that you can use to help you see how your interests and skills match potential career pathways. 



Step 2: Explore Careers and Education

Discover career pathways and careers that might be a good fit for you. The truth is whatever careers and jobs you are interested in, you will need to get further training. It is likely that you can find courses or experience you can get right now in your school district. So Take Action!!!


Explore Careers


Explore Education and Training Options





Career-cluster-poster-8-18 (1).pdf
CareerPathwaysHandbook.pdf
I CAP Sample.xlsx
ApprenticeshipMOInfographic.pdf

Step 3: Create A Plan and Set Goals

Goals are things you want to accomplish or change in your life. It takes effort and organization to make changes in your life. Sometimes your final objective or goal seems very large and hard to reach. By making a plan and breaking it down into small steps, you can see what progress you have made. 

HOW TO SET GOALS

A popular acronym can help you write effective goals. Try the SMART system for your career goal.

Specific: Aim for a specific, concrete area for your goal or steps. For example, “make ten job search calls following up on my LinkedIn connections” vs. “make some networking connections.”

Measurable: To determine if your goal is measurable, ask questions such as: how much? How many? How will I know when it is accomplished? 

Attainable: Goals are most attainable when steps are thought out clearly and allow enough time. How do you intend to accomplish your goal? Which actions follow other actions? Is the goal realistic given where you’re starting from? It should be a challenge, but also achievable. 

Relevant: A relevant goal is one that really matters to you and to the end result. Is it worthwhile? Is this the right time? Does your goal relate to other efforts or timelines? Does it require resources that are currently available?

Timely: A goal should be grounded within a defined time period, both for clarity and to give your action urgency. When do you want to begin? When do you want to complete each step?

 TIPS TO ACHIEVE YOUR GOAL 


Smart Goal Worksheet.pdf
Sample Career Plan.doc
2023-24 Final HS Course Registration Guide 7-18-23.pdf

Step 4: Expand Your Skills

With your career and education goals in mind, put your plans in place. Expand your skills and ability to make your future plans come to reality. Take action!

Step 5: Find A Job

You should consider your desired position and industry, check program/job requirements, and apply 


Step 1: Consider your desired position and Industry 

The first step to finding a qualified workforce program is deciding what position you want to train for. You may do some career exploration to identify your interests using missouriconnections.org or SCOIR.


Step 2:  Search for programs

If you know what field or position you'd like to pursue and take advantage of several resources to find a formal apprenticeship program or technical school, including:


Step 3:  Fulfill any requirements

 Once you find a program to apply to, check their stated requirements to know what you have to do to qualify as an applicant. Most programs require a high school diploma or GED. Some may expect you to purchase supplies for the position, such as uniforms, tools or safety gear. Programs that involve manual labor may have physical ability requirements, and you'll need to follow directions, perform any job-related tasks, and have transportation to the job site and classroom.


**When you are accepted into an apprenticeship program, you will most likely have to sign a formal agreement that outlines the details of the program and how you will participate to earn the status of apprentice and the final credential, much like a long-term employment contract.**

Additional Resources

The Job Search

Helpful Resources

Cover Letter and Resume Writing 

Preparing for the Interview

Job Interview Questions and Answers