The Salem R-80 Schools Construction Trades program launched in 2019 as part of Missouri’s Workforce Training Initiative program, according to a July 25, 2019 press release from the Missouri Department of Economic Development.
“The initiative – which is in step with Missouri Governor Mike Parson’s two top priorities of getting more Missourians working through workforce development and building Missouri’s future through enhanced infrastructure – aims to help organizations address gaps in quality job training opportunities throughout the state and increase access to low and moderate income individuals,” the release stated.
The R-80 schools proposal was initially spearheaded by Healthy Dent County Executive Director Sherry Lea.
Starting out, the R-80 Construction Trades Program met in the Salem High School library and borrowed the Ag barn…