Gov. Sanders outlines workforce strategy

Gov. Sarah Sanders outlined Thursday (Feb. 15) a broad strategy for revamping Arkansas’ workforce development efforts.

“Arkansas’ economy is booming, but if we don’t get workers off the sidelines and prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow, we won’t reap the full rewards of that growth,” said Gov. Sanders. “I tasked Mike Rogers and the Workforce Cabinet with making Arkansas a national leader in workforce development. This workforce strategy will guide us toward that goal and help put every Arkansan on the path to a good-paying, valuable career.”

Rogers was named to the new role of Chief Workforce Officer early in Sanders’ administration. She tasked him to lead a workforce cabinet to develop this report.

“Arkansas’s workforce is one of our state’s greatest strengths. This administration wants to support and empower hard working men and women, which is why the governor tasked me with creating this workforce strategy. There isn’t a better time to find value and purpose in the workplace, and as we implement this strategy, we’ll help every Arkansan find the motivation and skills they need to thrive,” Rogers said.

Topline recommendations from the report list four key objectives:

1. The Arkansas Department of Commerce should lead the alignment of business and industry priorities to improve skills to meet employer needs.
2. The Arkansas Department of Education, in partnership with the Department of Transformation and Shared Services, should lead the alignment of training and career pathways to ensure students learn applicable skills and competencies. In particular, the report calls for a realignment of the higher education funding formula to “enhance the value of providing training that leads to gainful employment.”
3. Provide services to meet the needs and goals of job seekers and employers through a statewide portal, training opportunities, educational resources and student funding.
4. Invest in regional strategic focus centers. These centers will align with key industry strengths already in place in Arkansas, such as aerospace and defense, firearm and ammunition manufacturing, energy, forestry, healthcare, transportation, and other areas.

You can access the report here.