St. Louis Employers Struggle to Hire Despite Thousands of Authorized International Workers
- ambale
- Apr 3
- 1 min read
By National Today
Local organization Mosaic Project works to connect businesses with international talent amid workforce shortages and misperceptions about hiring process
St. Louis is facing a workforce shortage, but thousands of international students and workers in the region are already authorized to work. Many employers still assume the hiring process is too complicated. The Mosaic Project, a local organization, is working to connect businesses with international talent that is ready to work now.
Why it matters
St. Louis, like many regions across the country, is dealing with workforce challenges and population declines. Connecting employers with the international talent already authorized to work in the area could help address these issues, but misconceptions about the hiring process remain a barrier.
The details
The Mosaic Project has worked since 2012 to connect foreign-born individuals with jobs, resources, and community in the St. Louis region. Many of these individuals are highly educated, with advanced degrees, but don't know how to navigate the local job market or lack connections. The organization helps make introductions and demystify the hiring process for employers. It's launching the second year of an International Hiring Challenge to encourage companies to consider this talent pool.
The Mosaic Project has worked since 2012 at the intersection of economic development, civic engagement and workforce strategy.
The organization is launching year two of the International Hiring Challenge.
