The Joplin region has a long history of making things America and the world need, including components for all sorts of vehicles. The region offers significant workforce advantages to automakers and the companies that supply them. Both K-12 school districts and postsecondary education providers — including a network of community colleges — have a strong focus on workforce development, offering programs that deliver the skills today’s automotive manufacturers need.

Additionally, the region aggressively worked with ACT to implement career-ready certification to national standards. According to state sources, Jasper County is the first ACT Career-Ready Certified community in the United States. Other counties in the region are working on their designations, but even now, more than 5,000 people in the workforce have their skills certification.