News

The Arkansas Division of Workforce Services has a new Assistant Director. Eddie Thomas previously served as Workforce Development Director at the Southeast Arkansas Planning and Development District in Pine Bluff.  Thomas is set to lead the Employment Assistance Unit, which governs statewide WIOA programming and local workforce board activities. Under Eddie's leadership, all ten southeast counties are now participating in Work Ready Communities.

Wallace State Community College announced the launch of an ambitious new iniative to harness virtual reality to train thousands of working adults for the fastest growing careers in diesel technology. Diesel by Distance will now feature hands-on virtual reality simulations that recreate the working environment of a diesel technician or mechanic.

A new program aims to take domestic violence survivors from unemployed or underemployed to a career pathway in 60 days. Project E.A.T. stands for Project Earn Assistance Training to improve the lives of survivors through job training and education.

Designed to grow the digital workforce to meet future demand, Code Works launched free training in coding and web development in West Plains. Delta Regional Authority funded the program, which also offers certificates, apprenticeship, and employment connections.

Coastal Growers LLC held a groundbreaking today for its new peanut shelling facility in the Atmore Industrial Park. Gov. Kay Ivey, local, state and federal officials marked the occassion at the construction site in Atmore and the Work Ready county of Escambia, Alabama.

Officials in Henry County recently broke ground on a new speculative (shell) building project in New Castle. The new construction will become New Castle-Henry County Industrial Park’s third spec building. The newest spec building is currently available to interested buyers in this Work Ready Community.

Thanks to the Appalachian Regional Commission, Washington County’s WorkKeys team has money available to help local businesses participate in WorkKeys Profiling. Job profiling establishes links between the requirements of a job or role and the knowledge, skills, abilities and behavioral characteristics necessary for successful performance in that position, according to a news release from the county. The team is currently working with Horizon Goodwill, Washington County Emergency Services and Meritus Health to provide this service. Conagra and Hub Labels have participated in the job profiling process.

WRC Goal Setting and Common Criteria Overview for prospective Work Ready Communities

Overview of stages for Work Ready Communities certification

The region's workforce ecosystem is only as strong as its leadership. Joining us on episode 25 of Ready for Work, author and consultant Dr. Anthony Edwards helps guide us from new book, Building a Winning Workforce: A Playbook for Employers, Government Entities; Colleges & Schools; Workforce Development Agencies, Economic Development Organizations ... & Chambers of Commerce; & Nonprofits. Later in the podcast, we'll listen to this leadership in action as Missouri's governor celebrates job creation and growth in Certified Work Ready Communities.