Mayor Francis G. Slay recently appointed Ranken Technical College President Stan Shoun to the City of St. Louis’ Workforce Investment Board (WIB). The official swearing in for Shoun’s new appointment will take place on August 20 during the
next WIB meeting.

The WIB’s mission is to develop a quality workforce that meets the economic and labor market needs of the region by providing leadership and promoting collaboration between public, private and elected official partners. The WIB consists of 35 volunteer citizens, who are appointed by Mayor Francis G. Slay. These individuals represent local businesses, public and community-based agencies, and labor organizations.

The WIB’s planning and implementation support both State and Federal workforce development efforts. Shoun and other WIB members will provide strategic leadership and oversight of the workforce development programs implemented by the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE).

These programs assist adults and youth in upgrading their basic and occupational skills while helping businesses to connect with job seekers. The board is currently focused on implementing Recovery Act services and programs, business services, job readiness training, professional job seeker services, skills/vocational training and job placement, connecting dislocated workers with transferable skills to business hiring needs, youth education and employment, and increasing community collaboration and involvement.