COLUMBIA, Mo. – On June 5-9, Columbia businesses opened their doors to more than 40 Columbia Public Schools teachers, counselors and administrators for Show-Me Careers – a hands-on learning experience that provides a deeper understanding of the skills students need to pursue in-demand careers.

 Throughout the week, educators visited Veterans United, MU Health Care, MU Research Reactor, EquipmentShare, American Outdoor Brands, Moberly Area Community College, QuesTec Mechanical and Emery Sapp & Sons.

The Show-Me Careers program takes middle school and high school educators into advanced manufacturing, IT/technology, health care, construction and other job sites where workforce shortages exist. The program consists of tours and training to familiarize educators with the opportunities local employers provide. It also highlights the academic pathways that students can take to achieve those careers. Educators develop lesson plans to help bring their new knowledge back to the classroom.

“Through the educators who will participate in Show-Me Careers Columbia, we will help reach thousands of students with valuable information about the in-demand careers in their community,” said Dan Mehan, Missouri Chamber president and CEO. “In our survey of Missouri CEOs and business leaders, workforce was the top concern. This program is one way we are working to help employers connect with the talent they need. We are excited about this partnership with the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, a leader in the region’s business community and strong friend of the Missouri Chamber. ”

To learn more, go to www.mochamber.com, or follow us @MissouriChamber on Twitter.