Vandalia's labor pool encompasses Audrain, Marion, Montgomery, Pike and Ralls Counties in Central Missouri which provides a civilian labor force of over 46,000 capable employees.  Our workforce has a strong mid west work ethic, sense of self reliance and prides itself with a "Can Do" attitude.  We are able to ensure that employer's needs are being met through our local educational institutions which include Pike Lincoln Technical Center, Moberly Area Community College, and the University of Missouri, Columbia, MO.  

Follow these links to MERIC (Missouri Economic Research and Information Center) for the latest information Unemployment and Population and County Average Wages.

In a recent survey of Vandalia and the surrounding area, starting entry level manufacturing wages averaged approximately $10.00 per hour. Area-wide average wages are $14.00-$15.00 per hour plus benefits.  Vandalia's largest employer is currently starting new employees at $12.87 plus benefits.  Local businesses also rate turnover as minimal in the survey.  Workforce attendance, trainability, and productivity were all rated very good to excellent!

Education

Van-Far R-1 School serves Vandalia and nearby Farber as the local school district with both a K-6th grade school and 7th-12th grade complex located on the west edge of Vandalia.  A new science wing and upgraded agricultural classroom/shop were completed just prior to opening day of 2007 classes.  Van-Far offers technical and college prep curriculum to prepare students for life after graduation.  Some students attend nearby Davis Hart Mexico Area Vocational Technical School  for training in industry trades.  Several students take advantage of the dual-credit courses offered through nearby colleges.  In 2006, Van-Far R-1 School gained A+ designation, and the first graduates to benefit from the program graduated in the spring of 2010.

The Van-Far School system has been both aggressive and successful in providing education for the area.  It is possible that many of your training needs could be addressed right here at the High School.  Officials with the Van-Far system will work hard to provide your training.  The school system as over 40 employees providing education outside of the traditional school buildings.  Additionally, through an agreement with Moberly Area Community College, our high school students can receive dual credit (college and high school) for certain courses.

In addition, Vandalia is fortunate to be centrally located with respect to several technical centers.  The Davis Hart Mexico Area Vocational Technical School is located just 27 miles from Vandalia and the Pike Lincoln Technical Center in Eolia is within 30 miles.  Both of these facilities offer many technical programs and are willing to work with local employers on training customized to meet the needs of the company.  This includes the possibility of doing training and holding classes right n the company's facility.  The Pike Lincoln Technical Center often partners with St. Charles Community College to provide certain types of training or meet customized training needs.  The Davis Hart Mexico Area Vocational Technical School often works with Linn State Technical College in much the same manner.

Also located in Mexico, MO is the Advanced Technology Center (ATC).  The ATC offers two-year associate degrees and specialty technical certificates.  The Center is a partnership between Linn State Technical College and the Moberly Area Community College.  They do customized training, plus offer evening classes.  On-site training is also possible.