UCM Poised to Help Missouri Deliver on HB 417 Promise for Upskill Credential Training

In this file photo from February 2022, Missouri Governor Mike Parson, who signed House Bill 417 this week, is shown visiting with members of the University of Central Missouri Board of Governors  shortly afer he hosted a rountable discussion at UCM on workforce development and higher education. From left are former student board member Zac Racy, Gov. Parson, Dr. Gus Wetzel II and Ken Weymuth.  

WARRENSBURG, MO – Creating a new “Upskill Credential” workforce training program, Missouri House Bill 417 will position the state’s businesses to better address obstacles that impact their growth and profitability with assistance from institutions such as the University of Central Missouri.

An opportunity for businesses to train to retain, the new program established under HB 417 creates competitive grants to reimburse employers who provide training opportunities to upskill their employees with short-term industry-recognized credentials. This initiative is directed to small- and medium-size businesses, allowing them to sponsor their best employees to take courses that expand their knowledge and skill in high-demand jobs. The bill was signed by Missouri Governor Mike Parson on July 6.

“We are extremely grateful for the support Missouri Governor Mike Parson and our legislators who have made this opportunity possible. It is a win for the businesses where skilled employees are needed, and it is a win for the employees who have a new opportunity to expand their skill set and receive a high wage,” said Laurel Hogue, vice provost for online learning and engagement at UCM. She added that opportunities for employees to advance in their careers and receive a better income also mean better quality of life for Missourians who benefit from this program.

HB 417 was sponsored by Representative Mike Henderson, R-117, Bonne Terre, Missouri. Recognizing the bill as an investment in the state’s workforce, it has been supported by organizations such as the Missouri Chamber of Commerce. In an annual survey, the Missouri Chamber found 50 percent of all businesses cited workforce concerns as the most significant challenge to growth. Survey respondents noted that improving the availability of qualified talent is most important to profitability.

The Upskill Credential program is modeled after the extremely successful “TechCred” program that was initiated in Ohio. More than 2,100 employers in that state have utilized this program to upskill thousands of workers, an effort which Missouri hopes to replicate.

HB 417 authorizes the General Assembly to appropriate up to $6 million a year toward the “Upskill Credential Training Fund.” A qualifying employer could receive up to $30,000 in grant funding on the basis of a competitive application process.

Offering classes for entry level as well as professional development, UCM is positioned to assist in addressing workforce concerns expressed in this legislation. This includes assistance for employers in the healthcare industry who want to help their employees earn industry-recognized credentials needed to become a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), work in Phlebotomy, serve as a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), and several other high-demand areas. UCM also offers Hazmat certification, and certifications in trades such as Warehouse Distribution and Project Management. In Fall 2023 and Spring 2024, the university will offer pre-apprenticeship opportunities for positions in Plumbing, HVAC, and Electrical professions. Other important certification areas in which UCM can assist are Information Technology and Cybersecurity. 

In addition to “Upskill Credentialing,” HB 417 also includes the Intern and Apprentice Recruitment Act. Assisting small- and medium-sized employers, this act provides an income tax credit of $1,500 for each intern or apprentice hired at a pay rate equal to or greater than the minimum wage, provided that the number of interns and apprentices employed during the tax year exceeds the average number of interns and apprentices employed by the business for the previous three years. This act becomes effective Jan 1, 2024, and the maximum tax credit will be $9,000 per year. Interns and apprentices also must work a certain number of hours as stipulated by the bill.

Individuals who want to know more about UCM’s industry recognized credentials are encouraged to contact workforce@ucmo.edu. Learn more about UCM’s educational opportunities on its Warrensburg campus and in Lee’s in Summit by visiting ucmo.edu.