(By MATT PIKE)
Missouri Western State University Workforce Development is coming up with several new programs this year to help business owners and enhance workers.
Director Rebecca Lobina says many of the programs announced this year come from the needs within the community in helping the ever-changing workforce.
Lobina says one such program is this Friday as they will host a program about artificial intellegence, teaching people all its different uses as well as all the types of AI
“What makes the most sense for you to use if you’re in graphic design, or if you’re in communications, or if you’re in advertising, or if you’re in manufacturing, or if you’re in healthcare, which AI app really will help the most for you?” Lobina says on the KFEQmunnity show. “And then, the most important part of it I think, is just understanding the legalities behind AI.”
Lobina adds this is designed as a beginner’s course, so it’s good for those possibly just starting a business as well. The program is on Friday. You can register online if spots are available.
Programs range from this course on the uses of AI, to finances, to leadership training helping develop all different areas of need within the workforce in the region.
Lobina says many of the trainings coming from listening to the needs within the community
“We go out and we talk to the different industries that are out there and we say hey, what are you not getting, what do you need, what are the skill gaps that you’re seeing within your own workforce?” Lobina explains. “Are they technical skills like AI are they soft skills like you need leadership, we have a leadership series, our next one comes up in March.”
Lobina says the results of these trainings speak for themselves, but her department always seeks feedback from participants of the programs
“We want to know that MoWest is providing quality trainings, quality education and that it’s relevant, and the way that we find that out is just by directly asking those who are involved,” Lobina says. “And so, we have done that, and we will continue to do that, and the feedback has been very positive, and we have had some information that has come back and said hey you know we think this course should be longer.”
Lobina says that feedback often results in changes to programs, such as making them longer or shorter, or adding more.
To view available trainings, you can visit MoWest Workforce Development online.
(You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.)