Located in:
- III. Operational Planning Elements
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include an Operational Planning Elements section that supports the State’s strategy and the system-wide vision described in Section II(c) above. Unless otherwise noted, all Operational Planning Elements apply to Combined State Plan partner programs included in the plan as well as to core programs. This section must include—
- a. State Strategy Implementation
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include–
- 2. Implementation of State Strategy
Describe how the lead State agency with responsibility for the administration of each core program or a Combined Plan partner program included in this plan will implement the State’s Strategies identified in Section II(c). above. This must include a description of—
- 2. Implementation of State Strategy
- a. State Strategy Implementation
III. a. 2. I. Coordinating with Economic Development Strategies
Describe how the activities identified in (A) will be coordinated with economic development entities, strategies, and activities in the State.
Current Narrative:
The State recognizes that workforce development cannot be performed in a vacuum without the connection to economic development and the priorities established by both state and local economic development entities. To ensure that economic development strategies are at the forefront of state, regional, and local planning, representatives of economic development organizations are on the state and local boards. Furthermore, economic development representatives are members of the WIOA Roundtable, which is the interagency WIOA planning team. Seven of the ten local workforce development boards have administrative and fiscal entities that are also local economic development organizations.
Workforce development is a priority of both the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) and the Division of Workforce Services (DWS), under the direction of the Department of Commerce. Together, we work with business and industry to meet existing and new workforce needs.
The Arkansas Economic Development Commission representatives sit on both the State and Local Workforce Boards and AEDC staff assist with the formation of local workforce development consortia, formal organizations of businesses and industries that identify common training needs in the community. Consortia – as well as individual companies – are eligible for state-funded training grants.
Additionally, the AEDC has led the development of a number of workforce initiatives, such as Future Fit.
Future Fit
A study by the Manufacturing Institute showed that nationally 80% of manufacturers report a shortage of qualified applicants for skilled production positions.
The AEDC conducted more than 1,800 face-to-face meetings with local Arkansas companies to evaluate the extent of the skilled worker shortage in Arkansas. We found approximately 10,000 unfilled jobs, of which 26.2 percent require no formal education and 52.5 percent require a high school diploma or GED.
To combat this problem, the AEDC collaborated with 10 companies in western Arkansas to launch a pilot skills gap workforce program called Future Fit. These companies played a significant role in developing and launching Future Fit: Bekaert, Trane, Gerber, International Paper, HSM Solutions, MAHLE, Gerdau, Glatfelter, Rockline Industries, and Rheem.
The Future Fit program will help place qualified individuals directly into well-paying jobs with participating companies throughout Arkansas. Participants of Future Fit will complete a training program that will prepare them for entry-level employment with these companies.
The first course will take approximately 120 hours of combined hands-on and on-line training for the basic skills needed to be successful in a manufacturing position. Two additional courses are under development.
Future Fit is designed to accommodate a diverse group of people, including those WIOA participants with barriers to employment:
- High school graduates that do not plan to enroll in college
- Military veterans
- Unemployed or underemployed
- Non-violent offenders released by law enforcement
There will be no enrollment cost to qualified students during the initial pilot program. Applicants must have a High School Diploma or a GED and have earned a Bronze level ACT National Career Readiness Certificate as a minimum qualification to enroll.
Modern Workplace Program
The Modern Workplace program was created to bridge the divide between educators and industry representatives.
Educators and industry representatives collaborate to create an education environment that allows our emerging workforce to lead productive lives and satisfy the needs of Arkansas businesses.
Objectives of the program:
- Connecting educators with local/regional employers to gain familiarity with local products and processes utilized in the workplace.
- Linking employers with the local/regional school system to foster ongoing relationships with educators.
- Providing educators with local/regional business contacts they can use to supplement current teaching curriculum.
- Familiarizing educators with career opportunities in local industry and the skills needed to be successful.
Education Economic Report
The Education Economic Report includes up-to-date statewide data in a quick read with helpful infographics. It includes the top rankings for state college & universities, overviews of tech-based curriculum preparing young Arkansans for the 21st century workforce, professional development programs, and more. This report may be accessed at:
http://info.arkansasedc.com/download-education-economic-report