Here's how MU plans to meet training needs of employers of today and the future

Officials on Thursday described the University of Missouri Career Accelerator as a hub for noncredit offerings to meet new and existing workforce training needs.

Operating under the radar for about a year, Thursday was the Career Accelerator's public launch at Bradford Research Farm.

It is an initiative of the Office of the Provost and MU Extension.

"We're going to try something a little bit different in Missouri," said Chad Higgins, interim vice chancellor for MU Extension and Engagement. "This is a noncredit hub for upscaling our workforce. It's very important to the state of Missouri that we get this right."

How to get more people and the right mix of people into the labor force is necessary, said Rob Russell, senior program director for MU Extension Business Community.

There has been a 93% increase in people age 55-plus in the workforce since 2001, Russell said.

"There's not a giant reserve of people out there who aren't participating in the labor market," he said.

So far, the accelerator has developed online certificate programs from construction management, supply chain management and clinical engineering.

The accelerator also will customize online or in-person workforce trainings to meet companies' needs, said Sara Rieley, a senior coordinator for MU Extension Business and Community.

The accelerator also will be the hub for all of MU's noncredit offerings, said Jonathan Mack, another senior coordinator for MU Extension and Business Community.

"There hasn't been that before," Mack said. "It's getting off the ground. It's just starting."

Roger McKinney is the Tribune's education reporter. You can reach him at rmckinney@columbiatribune.com or 573-815-1719. He's on Twitter at @rmckinney9.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: MU Career Accelerator to customize job training for employers