Building the Workforce That Builds Our Region
- Progress 64 West
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
One of the most important economic development investments a region can make isn't always a new building or business announcement. It's preparing people for the jobs that will build what comes next.
That's why Progress 64 West is proud to support Ranken Technical College and its continued commitment to developing the skilled workforce our region needs.
This October, Ranken will host its Manufacturing Industry Days at campuses across Missouri, giving hundreds of students an opportunity to experience skilled careers firsthand—not simply by hearing about them, but through exposure to the tools, technology, training and industries behind those careers.
The 2026 Manufacturing Industry Days are:
October 6 — Central Missouri, Ashland
October 8 — Southeast, Perryville
October 9 — Ranken West, Troy
October 14 — Ranken West, Wentzville
October 15 — Main Campus, St. Louis
For Progress 64 West, this is about much more than education.
It's about workforce development.
Companies considering where to invest and expand need infrastructure, transportation and a favorable business environment—but they also need people with the skills to do the work.
Ranken is helping create that pipeline by introducing students to careers in manufacturing and the skilled trades and providing hands-on technical education in areas including manufacturing, automotive, construction, electrical and information technology.
There is another important piece to this story: young people need to see these careers as opportunities.
A successful regional workforce strategy means showing the next generation that there are multiple pathways to a rewarding career. Technical education and the skilled trades aren't secondary choices. They are essential components of a modern economy. Industry Days allow students to see those opportunities for themselves—and allow educators and industry to begin connecting tomorrow's workforce with the careers our region needs today.
That's economic development from the ground up.
Progress 64 West applauds Ranken Technical College, its educators, industry partners and participating schools for investing in the people who will build, manufacture, maintain and advance our region for decades to come.
A stronger workforce creates stronger businesses. Stronger businesses create stronger communities. And stronger communities create a stronger region.
