Workforce

The TCP Workforce Development Collaborative brings together employers and member organizations to address workforce development challenges, such as recruiting and retaining talent, closing skills gaps, and exploring innovative solutions to support local businesses and strengthen our talent pool.

We frequently share updates on upcoming events, such as career fairs at colleges and universities, and occasionally welcome guest speakers to discuss a variety of workforce-related topics.

Our meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 8:00 a.m. at the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, with a virtual option available.

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The BridgeUSA J-1 Visa Programs encompass three key categories: the Summer Work Travel Program, Trainee Program, and Internship Program. These programs are designed to facilitate cultural exchange and professional development for international participants visiting the United States. Here’s a brief summary/description of each of these programs:

1. Summer Work Travel Program:
   • Objective: The Summer Work Travel Program is primarily a cultural exchange initiative that allows foreign university students to spend their summer break in the United States. Participants can work temporary, seasonal jobs while experiencing American culture and lifestyle.
   • Duration: Typically lasts for up to four months during the participant’s summer break.
   • Eligibility: University students from various countries are eligible to participate.
   • Benefits: Participants gain work experience, improve language skills, and engage in cross-cultural exchange.
2. Trainee Program:
   • Objective: The Trainee Program is designed for individuals with more advanced skills or degrees who wish to receive hands-on training in their respective fields in the United States. This program is focused on career development and enhancing professional expertise.
   • Duration: The program can last up to 18 months, depending on the field.
   • Eligibility: Participants must have relevant qualifications or work experience related to the training program they wish to pursue.
   • Benefits: Trainees gain valuable experience and expertise in their chosen fields, and they contribute to the host organization’s workforce.
3. Internship Program:
   • Objective: The Internship Program is aimed at university students and recent graduates looking for professional development and work experience in the United States. It focuses on offering practical training in a specific field of study.
   • Duration: Internships can last for up to 12 months.
   • Eligibility: Participants must be currently enrolled in a degree program or have graduated within the last 12 months.
   • Benefits: Interns gain industry-specific experience, improve their skills, and gain insight into American work culture and practices.

Check this link for the updated list of visa sponsors who have recently placed exchange visitors in the Branson area.

Branson BridgeUSA Community Support Group

The Branson BridgeUSA Community Support Group (CSG) is a collaborative alliance of J-1 Visa sponsors, community leaders, organizations, and local employers committed to fostering the Summer Work & Travel Program and supporting BridgeUSA exchange visitors in the Branson area. In 2025, the Branson CSG will meet on the fourth Monday of the month at the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce at 10:00 a.m. Teleconference options are available for those unavailable to attend in person.

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The Taney County Partnership and the Branson Chamber have worked with several employers and partners from the Branson area to embark on recruitment efforts in Puerto Rico through the U.S. Department of Labor. Additionally, hundreds of international students and workers come to the area to live and work through various programs. Out of our Workforce Development Collaborative meeting, it was suggested that an advisory committee be assembled to address workforce development topics specific to the growing Hispanic-Latino/community in the Branson Tri-Lakes area.

Mission: Our goal is that the TCP Hispanic Workforce Coalition will advise the Partnership and area employers to address topics including employment, community resources, housing, transportation, cultural integration and inclusion, and communications just to name a few.

Vision: We want the Hispanic individuals and families who move to Taney County to feel welcomed and be connected to resources that can help them have a positive experience living and working here. If you have relevant topics that should be discussed, please feel free to email the event organizer so we can include the topic as an agenda item.

We invite the Branson community to participate and help guide us in our efforts to develop successful workforce development programming.

We meet every 4th Thursday of each month at the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce at 10:00 a.m., with the option to join virtually.

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