Nonprofit and leading enterprises develop employment opportunities for adults with disabilities
(St. Louis, Mo., Sept. 11, 2024) Boone Center, Inc. (BCI) has joined forces with Emerson,
Watlow Electric Manufacturing Co., and the Wentzville School District to establish three new
vocational training programs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These
programs provide participants essential skills and hands-on experience for competitive careers in
high-demand fields.
The Emerson and Watlow programs are part of the Skills Center’s manufacturing curriculum.
Emerson students will train to work as shop assistants at the company’s engineering facility on
its Ferguson campus in St. Louis County. They will learn to build kits, stock lines, pack
materials, and prepare shipments. The starting salary following graduation is $16 to $17 per
hour, depending on the shift.
Students in the Watlow program will train to work as operators at the company’s Maryland
Heights location in St. Louis County. They will learn to use an electronic sewing machine, sew
by hand, read schematics and drawings, and cut materials using a laser cutter. The starting salary
following graduation is $18 per hour.
The Wentzville School District course marks the launch of the Skills Center’s new custodial
curriculum. In this program, students will train to work as custodians across any of the district’s
21 western St. Charles County schools. They will learn to clean classrooms, restrooms, and other
high-touch areas, with a starting salary following graduation of $15 per hour.
Each new program will run for four hours a day over six weeks. Participants will spend one hour
daily developing essential soft skills, including communication, teamwork, workplace
expectations, and personal finance. To receive a job offer, students must successfully complete
the course and all other pre-hiring requirements as outlined by the employer.
The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development has accredited all
Skills Center courses. Tuition is usually covered by county or state funding, and scholarships
may also be available.
“We are incredibly excited to partner with these exceptional organizations to bring new
opportunities to individuals eager for competitive, integrated employment,” said Matt Jannings,
BCI’s Chief Employment Services Officer. “These programs are not only about filling essential
roles but also making a profound difference in people’s lives—and the impact we’ve seen for the
individuals and businesses is nothing short of incredible.”
The BCI Skills Center offers a dozen unique vocational training courses in custodial, health care
and social assistance support, hospitality, manufacturing, and warehouse. Since its start in 2019,
the organization has successfully trained and placed 110 individuals into competitive careers.
For more information about these programs or to apply, visit boonecenter.com/skills-
center/programs/.
About BCI
Founded in 1959, Boone Center, Inc. (BCI) provides innovative employment opportunities for
people with disabilities. Based at 200 Trade Center Dr. W in St. Peters, Mo., BCI employs over
235 adults with disabilities through its organizational employment program and supports more
than 100 individuals annually with employment services, vocational training, and follow-along
services through its competitive employment program and Skills Center. For more information,
call (636) 875-5267 or visit www.boonecenter.com/.