Better Family Life, Inc. (BFL) will celebrate National Workforce Development Month (NWDM) throughout September with a series of events designed to empower youth, families and community residents, especially those unemployed and underemployed.
The initiative kicks off with the NWDM Resource Tailgate from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at North Oaks Plaza, 7151 Natural Bridge Road, St. Louis.
Vendors will provide rental and utility assistance, mental health support, banking, foster care, workforce training, domestic violence programs and more. Entertainment and food trucks will also be part of the tailgate.
More than 300 high school seniors are confirmed to attend the Apprenticeship Summit from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 19 at the BFL Cultural, Educational & Business Center, 5415 Page Blvd. Sponsoring partners include the Missouri Department of Social Services, Spectrum, ARCHS, and SLATE.
Attendees will engage with union professionals, admissions counselors, funding providers and employers through live demonstrations, interactive exhibits and hands-on learning opportunities.
Representatives from various trades will participate including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, welding, CDL truck driving, information technology and cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, culinary arts, construction management, logistics, green building trades, military service and first responders.
The expo serves as a direct bridge between employers and career-ready individuals seeking immediate opportunities, according to Ida Roundtree, BFL workforce development department senior director.
“Our events create hands-on opportunities for youth, families, and job seekers to explore careers that provide stability, dignity, and long-term growth,” she said.
NWDM will host a Career Expo from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 26 at the BFL center.
Job seekers will connect directly with top employers from industries including IT, healthcare, education, logistics, manufacturing and government.
Norman Miller, BFL workforce development department employment director said the month-long celebration “allows us to honor the people and partnerships that strengthen our economy.”
“This is a call to action to prepare our workforce for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”