Job Training is a critical component in economic development – to allow the local workforce to find good-paying jobs in their community. And that’s the vision behind the Reimagine Arkansas Workforce program.
Now in its fourth year, the program offers short-term, online job training to eligible Arkansas residents who are looking to improve or change their careers. The state’s workforce development director, Tara Dryer, shared some of that mission this week, during a board meeting. “One thing that we’re trying to do with this grant is create both educational and career pathways, meet people where they’re at, and create those on-ramps and off-ramps to careers in educational opportunities along the way.”
A federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education makes the program possible for people in all 75 counties of Arkansas. However, Dryer says the Reimagine Arkansas Workforce program does not have an active marketing campaign, which has led to falling enrollment.
Applicants can choose the type of training they need from over 100 courses offered through the University of Arkansas. While training is a significant investment of your time, administrators say upgrading your skills and knowledge provides a pathway to higher income and job stability. For more information go to: training@uark.edu, or call: 855-402-3300 or 479-464-5024.
