How Ozarks Region Is Growing a Strong, Local Talent Pipeline
A strong economy depends on a skilled, prepared workforce — and in the Ozarks region, that preparation starts early. Through intentional partnerships between education and industry, local employers are helping shape a talent pipeline that’s aligned with real-world workforce needs and built for long-term growth.
From middle school career exploration to immersive experiences for educators, programs like Teacher Externships and Go To Work are strengthening the connection between classrooms and careers ensuring students understand opportunity and businesses have access to future talent.
Equipping Educators to Prepare Tomorrow’s Talent
Preparing the next generation of workers starts with empowering the educators who guide them. That’s the focus of the Teacher Externship program, championed by the Springfield Business Development Corporation (SBDC), the economic development arm of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. The initiative bridges the gap between education and industry by giving teachers firsthand exposure to local employers, career pathways, and evolving workforce demands.
In 2025, 47 educators from 12 school districts embedded with 24 regional businesses, gained direct insight into the skills, technologies, and workplace environments that shape today’s economy. Teachers toured and learned from employers such as Erlen Group, CSI, and Ozarks Coca-Cola Dr Pepper Bottling Company spending dedicated time inside businesses to better understand how classroom learning translates into real careers.
The impact goes far beyond a single experience. Educators return to their classrooms with a deeper understanding of local industries, allowing them to connect coursework to practical applications and introduce students to career options they may not have previously considered. As one participant shared, the externship provides “an incredible opportunity for educators to step outside the classroom and into the real-world careers we’re preparing students for.”
Aligning Education With Industry Needs
The collaboration doesn’t end with the externship itself. Teachers reconvened last fall for the Teacher Externship Summit, where they shared how they are integrating industry insights into lessons, projects, and career conversations with students.
During the summit, educators toured Paragon 360, Paragon Fabrication, and Bass Pro Shops Distribution Center, gaining exposure to advanced manufacturing, logistics, and creative production. They also learned about workforce and training pathways available through Ozarks Tech and heard directly from industry leaders about evolving talent needs in high-demand sectors.
For businesses, this alignment matters. When educators understand current and future workforce needs, they can better prepare students with relevant skills, awareness, and expectations—reducing talent gaps and strengthening the regional labor pool.
Career Awareness Starts Early
While preparing educators is critical, engaging students early is equally important. That’s where the Go To Work program comes in.
In October, more than 600 area 7th and 8th graders participated in hands-on career exploration experiences across the region. Students visited local businesses, municipal departments, and universities — seeing firsthand what careers look like beyond the classroom.
For many students, the experience opened doors to careers they didn’t know existed, particularly in non-traditional and high-demand fields. These early touchpoints help students begin connecting interests with opportunities, long before they’re making decisions about high school pathways, certifications, or post-secondary education.
Go To Work is a collaborative effort between Missouri State University’s Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce — demonstrating the region’s shared commitment to workforce readiness.
A Workforce Strategy That Supports Business Growth
Together, these initiatives reflect a comprehensive, long-term approach to workforce development, one that benefits students, educators, and employers alike. By strengthening connections between education and industry, the Ozarks Region is intentionally cultivating a talent pipeline that meets business needs and supports economic growth.
For companies considering expansion or relocation, this commitment signals a region that understands workforce development isn’t reactive — it’s strategic. By investing in career awareness, educator engagement, and early exposure to industry, the Ozarks Region is building a workforce prepared to grow alongside its businesses.
In short: the region isn’t just attracting talent — it’s growing it.