US $100 dollar bills laying on a table face up.

How to Pay for my Training

Sources of Funding

Several potential funding opportunities exist depending on your specific circumstances. Each option has unique eligibility criteria. Below are program or grant options available to you for paying for workforce or professional development training. The sources listed are not loans and therefore will not require any payments from you. It’s important to note that the options listed are intended for exclusive use with the programs listed on the workforce development webpages only.

Four adults sit around laptops in front of a brick wall smiling as they work together.

For Individuals

  • Missouri Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant
    • This program is designed to provide adults with the education and skills needed to enter the workforce in fields that are in high demand.
    • MoWest is an eligible institution for this program.
    • Click here to find out if you’re eligible for this grant.
      • Basic eligibility includes (1) be a U.S. citizen (2) be 25+ years of age or have not been enrolled in high school or postsecondary education in the past 2 years (3) have been a Missouri resident for the past 2 years (4) your federal adjust gross income on your Missouri tax return is either $80,000 or less if filing married or $40,000 or less for any other filing status. 
      • Click here for additional details.
    • To apply, click here, then select the “estimate eligibility” link in the menu at the top of the page. Next, select the appropriate academic year from the “select an academic year” dropdown menu. Finally, click the “apply” link in the Fast Track Workforce Incentive grant row of the table.
  • MOST 529 – Missouri 529 Plan
    • As of July 2025, if you have funds in a 529 account, you may now utilize those funds for continuing education, trade and vocational school, apprenticeship programs, professional development, licensure exam prep and exam fees, plus books, tools, supplies, computers and internet access needed for training. Many of MoWest’s workforce development programs qualify as an eligible use of MOST 529 funds.
  • SkillUP
    • SkillUP is a free program that helps SNAP recipients get help with skills, training and employer connections to get a job or a better job.
    • Eligibility is based on the fact that you receive SNAP benefits.
    • There are three funding providers of the SkillUP program. Each one has separate funding they can allocate to eligible recipients.
  • Trade Adjustment Act (TAA) / Trade Readjustment Allowance (TRA)
    • The TAA funds training for individuals who have lost their jobs because the jobs went overseas, or as a direct result of an increase in overseas imports.
    • Eligibility includes but isn’t limited to (1) being unemployed or reduced hours, (2) be covered by a trade certification (3) have qualifying wages and employment, and (4) exhausted all regular and extended unemployment benefits.
    • To learn more or to apply, call or visit the Missouri Career Center at 2202 Frederick Avenue, St. Joseph, MO 64506. (816) 387-2380.
  • Vocational Rehabilitation (Voc Rehab)
    • Voc Rehab funds training for individuals with a physical handicap or intellectual disability that presents a barrier to employment.
    • Contact Voc Rehab in St. Joseph at (816) 387-2280.
  • Workforce Investment Opportunity Act (WIOA)
    • WIOA helps people access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and match employers with skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy. 
    • There are many ways to be eligible for this grant including, but not limited to:
      • Age 16+ and a US Citizen. 
      • Also, have a household income <250% of the federal poverty level or are a dislocated worker, or are receiving benefits such as TANF or SNAP.
    • To learn more and/or apply, contact the WIOA grant holder for northwest Missouri, Youth Alliance, at (816) 232-0050
Kansas City business cityscape against the sunset.

For Employers

FAQs

Have questions? Check out our frequently asked questions with the corresponding answers below.

Because workforce development trainings are not for college credit and do not lead to a degree, federal financial aid cannot be used as a payment.

While we strive to give credit for the hard work that goes into receiving national certifications and completing workforce training programs, at this time, we do not give college credit for them.

At this time, you do not receive a discount.

Absolutely!

A certificate indicates you’ve completed the specified classes or program. A certificate is awarded by the educational institution offering the class or program. Whereas a certification is earned when you complete an assessment from an industry-recognized organization verifying your knowledge, skills and abilities within a specific career domain. Certifications are offered through a third party, not the educational institution.

No. All you have to do is register online via the workforce development webpage associated with your program of choice.

No!

You may pay directly at the time of registration via ACH, credit or debit card.

Simply have your employer register you online through the workforce development webpage associated with your desired program. Program is due at that time. If your employer requires an invoice to make a payment, please email Theresa Buttz to request registration and invoicing.