COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri businesses struggle to recruit and retain employees with the technology know-how that companies need. To address that challenge, University of Missouri Extension, in partnership with the MU College of Engineering, launched the Digital Transformation Certificate Program to provide employees with technology training.

The College of Engineering developed three noncredit online courses now available through MU Extension: Business Analytics; Introduction to Coding and Programming; and Introduction to Geographical Information Systems and Geospatial Analytics.

“The new digital transformation courses offer the training, tools and resources for in-demand job areas,” said Sharan Srinivas, assistant professor in the College of Engineering and one of the lead faculty on the initiative. “It allows participants to up-skill, re-skill and remain competitive in today’s digital age.”

There are currently 180 Missourians already enrolled in the six-week courses. Employers such as Veterans United are excited to offer these courses to their employees. “This partnership allows us to provide additional opportunities for growth to our employees by investing in their professional development,” said Brittany Butler, recruiter at Veterans United.

Each self-paced course requires about 50-60 hours of total commitment. Individuals receive a certificate for each completed course, and those who complete all three courses receive an MU Extension continuing education certificate in digital transformation. The courses are available at no cost to certificate-seekers through June 2022.

“Research tells us that significant portions of the American workforce have limited or no digital skills,” said Rob Russell, MU Extension director of labor and workforce development. “Ensuring that workers have the necessary skills to compete in the 21st century has to be a priority to businesses in Missouri if they want to succeed.”

For more information and to register for these courses, visit mizzou.us/DTC or contact Sarah Rielley at edwardssar@missouri.edu.

Funding for this initiative comes from a Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund grant through the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development.