Labor

 Vandalia’s labor pool encompasses Audrain, Marion, Montgomery, Pike & Ralls Counties in Central Missouri which provides a   civilian labor force of over 49,000 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.

  Area                              Population                  Civilian Work                 County Avg.                Unemployment

     2016                       Force (2017)                  Wage (2016)                Rate (May 2017)

 Audrain County                 20,096                        11,007                            36,391                            3.7%  

 Marion County                  28,880                        14,235                            36,477                            4.0%  

 Montgomery County         11,703                         5,612                             33,031                            3.6%

 Pike County                      18,348                         7,914                             31,168                            3.8%

 Ralls County                     10,196                         5,468                             35,733                            3.4%

 Missouri Unemployment Rate:  May 2017 - 4.1%

    Major Area Employers

   WERDCC…………………Women’s Correctional Facility               County Market……………..Grocery Store

   Harbison-Walker Refractories..……Brick Manufacturing Plant          City of Vandalia……………Municipal Government

   Tri-County Care Center……….Nursing Home Facility                      Van-Far R-1 School District……School District (K-12)

   Target Windows and Doors………Manufacturer of Windows and Doors

  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 at the west edge of Vandalia. A new science wing and upgraded agricultural classroom/shop were just completed 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 School for training in industry trades. Several students take advantage of the dual-credit courses  offered through nearby colleges. In 2006, Van-Far 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 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 has 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 in 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 of 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.