CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) - A new law taking effect Thursday will let high school graduates attend career certificate programs for free, thanks to a new reimbursement plan for technical education.

This comes as regional development non-profit in southeast Missouri reports a shortage of technical training in high-demand fields.

Automotive mechanics, HVAC (Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), construction trades, and electrical work are critical areas with persistent labor shortages.

“All the folks who build southeast Missouri are dying for talent every day, whether that’s construction, electric, HVAC, all the things we need for our community to continue to grow. Those are the kinds of positions that we are searching for on the regular,” said Shad Burner, CEO of SEMO REDI .

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