Celebrating Christi Waggoner – A Career WayZ Apprenticeship Coordinator Success Story
July 14, 2025
Christi Waggoner Leads the Way at Hillyard Technical Center
St. Joseph Apprenticeship Coordinator Completes First-in-State Cohort Career WayZ Training Program
St. Joseph, MO – In under one year, Christi Waggoner has emerged as a driving force in youth apprenticeship, earning recognition across Missouri for her leadership in workforce development. Waggoner, Apprenticeship Coordinator at Hillyard Technical Center, recently completed the Career WayZ Apprenticeship Coordinator Training Program — a first-of-its-kind initiative in the state sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Waggoner began her role in August 2023, stepping into a strong program with a rich foundation. Through Career WayZ, she received comprehensive training from program sponsor and founder Cynthia Walker, with personalized coaching and mentorship from Andy McHaffie, a veteran apprenticeship coordinator with Ft. Zumwalt School District.
“This experience gave me so much professional growth,” said Waggoner. “I’ve gained confidence, new ideas, a deeper understanding of apprenticeship, and have made lasting connections. This year has truly been transformational.”
Waggoner joins the first-ever Missouri Career WayZ cohort, which includes some of the state's top-performing youth apprenticeship leaders:
Brandon Bradshaw, Cape Girardeau Career & Technology Center
Brent Trankler, Oran School District (formerly of Sikeston Career & Technology Center)
Stacy Elsbury, Columbia Area Career Center
Andy McHaffie, Ft. Zumwalt School District
These professionals are helping shape the future of high school registered apprenticeship programs throughout the state.
Jill Huntsman, Director and Waggoner’s employer mentor, praised her leadership:
“I am proud that Christi chose to participate in the Career WayZ Apprenticeship as a Coordinator. I feel that she has gained additional skills that have enhanced our current apprenticeship program. I am excited to watch the program continue to grow and flourish under her skilled leadership.”
Honoring a Legacy of Leadership
Hillyard Technical Center’s apprenticeship program was launched in 2018 under the leadership of Jill Huntsman and founding coordinator Clara Liles. Huntsman, who retired in June 2025, is known for her visionary leadership and commitment to student success. Liles now serves as a Regional Apprenticeship Coordinator with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, where she continues to support apprenticeship programs like Hillyard across the state.
Hillyard Apprenticeship Program At-A-Glance
Registered Since: February 1, 2018
Apprenticeship Coordinator: Christi Waggoner (since August 2023)
Total Completions: 57
Active Apprentices: 71
Occupations Offered: Electronics Technician • Heating & Air Conditioning Installer • Industrial Maintenance Mechanic • IT Generalist • Residential Carpenter • Auto Body Repairer • Teacher Aide • Welder – Combination • 3D Printing Technician • Automotive Technician • CNC Operator
Employer Partners Include:
Altec • BlueScope • Herzog • Lifeline Foods • Boehringer Ingelheim • Gray Manufacturing • Hillyard Industries • Johnson Controls • Nestle Purina • St. Joseph School District • St. Joseph Fire Department • Triumph Foods • WireCo WorldGroup • Van Am Tool & Engineering • Mead O’Brien • Custom Truck One Source • Gavilon Grain • Fairview Golf Course
Looking Ahead
Christi Waggoner has bold goals for the future of apprenticeship at Hillyard, including:
Launching at least one new apprenticeship program each year
Growing the number of apprentices and employer partners
Developing and implementing a mentor guide to support workplace coaching
“I’m excited to build on the strong foundation laid by Clara and Jill and to keep growing opportunities for our students,” Waggoner said.
With leaders like Christi Waggoner at the helm, the future of youth apprenticeship in Missouri looks bright.
About Career WayZ
Career WayZ is a U.S. Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship training provider committed to expanding high-quality apprenticeship pathways across Missouri. Led by Cynthia Walker, Career WayZ supports schools and industry partners in building bridges between education and the workforce. Contact her at info@careerwayz.org for more information.
For media inquiries or to learn more about the apprenticeship program at Hillyard Technical Center, please contact: Christi Waggoner christinawaggoner@sjsd.k12.mo.us
Follow Career WayZ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/career-wayz-missouri/
Follow Cynthia Walker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-walker-46b8087a/
