LHS Counseling Department

CRITICAL NEED/SHORTAGE OCCUPATIONS

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Recent legislation, section 167.902 RSMo, requires that the department of economic development shall annually identify occupations in which a critical need or shortage of trained personnel exists in the labor markets in this state and provide such information to the state board of education. Upon receipt of such data, the state board of education shall, in collaboration with the department of economic development, compile the following data and information:

1.  Information on how to obtain industry-recognized certificates and credentials;

2.  Information on how to obtain a license and the requirements for a license when licensure is required for an occupation;

3. Access to assessments and interest inventories that provide insight into the types of careers that would be suitable for students;

4. Resources that describe the types of skills and occupations most in demand in the current job market and those skills and occupations likely to be in high demand in future years;

5. Resources that describe the typical salaries for occupations and salary trends;

6.  Information on how to obtain financial assistance for postsecondary education;

7.  Information on how to choose a college, school, or apprenticeship that aligns with the student's career goals and values;

8. Information on self-employment;

9. Resources related to creating a resume, interviewing, networking, and finding job opportunities; and

10.  Information on the skills and traits necessary to succeed in various careers.

High-Demand Occupations for FY2025

The educational materials and data derived from the state board of education's collaboration with the department of economic development under subsection 1 of this section shall be distributed by the board to each high school in this state for the purpose of emphasizing areas of critical workforce needs and shortages in the labor markets in this state to high school students to support such students' career pathway decisions. Each high school shall provide its students with the information provided to the school by the state board of education before November first of every school year. 

Each year the Department of Workforce Development provides DESE with a list of high-demand occupations that require more than a high school diploma and less than a bachelor’s degree. Many of these programs are provided at local high schools and area career centers as well as at the community college level. High Demand Occupations for individuals with at least a high school education and less than a bachelor’s degree.  

1. Information on how to obtain industry-recognized certificates and credentials

Career centers across the state provide training on a variety of occupations, including those occupations in which a critical need or shortage of trained personnel exists in the labor market of Missouri.  Training in most of these occupations results in industry-recognized credentials and certificates that are valued by employers.  The map found at this link has connections to each career center.  Individuals and schools are encouraged to contact their local career center to determine what occupational training is available and to get information on licensing requirements.  

Missouri Public School Career Centers Map

2. Information on how to obtain a license and the requirements for a license when licensure is required for an occupation

Information on how to obtain industry-recognized certificates and credentials

Information on how to obtain a license and the requirements for a license when licensure is required for an occupation 

3. Access to assessments and interest inventories that provide insight into the types of careers that would be suitable for students

4. Resources that describe the types of skills and occupations most in demand in the current job market and those skills and occupations likely to be in high demand in future years

5. Resources that describe the typical salaries for occupations and salary trends

6. Information on how to obtain financial assistance for postsecondary education

7. Information on how to choose a college, school, or apprenticeship that aligns with the student's career goals and values

8. Information on self-employment

9. Resources related to creating a resume, interviewing, networking, and finding job opportunities

10. Information on the skills and traits necessary to succeed in various careers

Information on the above (3-10) can be found at Missouri Connections

Additional Resources: 

• MERIC Occupations Studies Several resources can be found on the MERIC site including occupational data, career resources, target industry real time briefs, and workforce studies are found.

• MERIC Industry Studies Resources including information on employment and projections, industry and business in Missouri, industry clusters, target industry briefs, information on exports, and various special projects can be found here.

• Critical Shortage Areas: MERIC 2020-2030 Statewide Industry Projections

Updated 10-11-2023