EDUCATIONAL & TRAINING OPPORTUNTIES
A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:
"Welcome to the Educational & Training Opportunities page. On behalf of our Board of Directors, I want to thank you for your interest in our Workforce programs.
This page will provide you both an overview of our programs and specifics you need to identify the ways and means which are available to you through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to support your ability to prepare yourself for finding the type of job that is best for you and your future."
​
RODNEY LARSEN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
WORKFORCE INNOVATION & OPPORTUNITY ACT
WIOAÂ Programs
WIOA promotes alignment of workforce development programs with regional economic development strategies to meet the needs of local and regional employers.
​​​​
WIOA also authorizes programs for specific vulnerable populations, including the Job Corps, YouthBuild, Indian and Native Americans, and Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker programs as well as evaluation and multistate projects administered by the Department of Labor and replaces the Workforce Investment Act of 1998.
​
WIOA YOUTH PROGRAM
Our Youth program can assist both in and out-of-school youth, our targeted occupational and industry approach ensures you have the opportunity to receive the training for an in-demand industry here in Central Arkansas.
The Youth Program is designed to prepare Arkansas’ youth to either enter post-secondary education, training, or employment upon completion of their secondary education. The aging of Arkansas’ workforce is an issue of concern and therefore this program can be an instrument toward meeting the future workforce demands.
WIOA ADULT PROGRAM
Looking to receive training in a new career field? Need help knowing what career field would be the best fit? Our Career Counselors are to assist you in your new journey.
The purpose of the Adult Program is to assist individuals in finding sustainable jobs in in-demand industries. Availability of this service is based on eligible funding and priority of services.
WIOAÂ DISLOCATED WORKER PROGRAM
Have you recently been terminated or laid off from your employer? The Dislocated Worker program can offer assistance to get you back into the workforce with the necessary skills to be successful in your future endeavor of employment.
The WIOA Dislocated Worker program offers employment and training services for eligible workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own or who have received an official layoff notice.
NATIONAL DISLOCATED WORKER GRANTS
National Dislocated Worker Grants (DWGs), formerly known as National Emergency Grants (NEGs), are discretionary grants awarded by the Secretary of Labor, under Section 170 of WIOA. DWGs provide resources to states and other eligible applicants to respond to large, unexpected layoff events causing significant job losses.Â
DWGs provide resources to states and other eligible applicants to respond to large, unexpected layoff events causing significant job losses.
EDUCATIONAL TRAINING PROVIDERS
The Central Arkansas Workforce Development Board embraced sector strategies in 2016 by aligning training programs to in-demand industry sectors within the region. This ensures clients are training for applicable career paths and that businesses have a steady talent pipeline.
The Central Arkansas Workforce Development Board will continue to evaluate the list of eligible training providers to ensure we are meeting the needs of businesses in Central Arkansas and to ensure clients are training for quality jobs.
IN-DEMAND INDUSTRIES IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS
We used data analysis to meet the labor force needs of business and industry and provide every advantage for participants to obtain a higher standard of living throughout the six county service area. The seven industry sectors listed below will provide participants with the increased probability of obtaining a good paying job. The increased labor pipeline will provide businesses with the workforce they need to operate and grow their companies throughout the region.
BUSINESS SERVICES
EARN UP TO $77,750/ YEAR
NATIONAL AVERAGE WAGE
From information technology to administrative support, business services offers a wide variety of career opportunities. We offer nearly one hundred training programs that support this sector and can assist you in choosing the path which best fits your career goals.
EDUCATION
EARN UP TO $52,360/ YEAR
NATIONAL AVERAGE WAGE
Whether you want to become a school teacher or open your own daycare, the Central Arkansas Workforce Development Area offers training opportunities that will help to build a solid foundation for a rewarding career in education.
GENERAL TRADES
EARN UP TO $51,300/ YEAR
NATIONAL AVERAGE WAGE
Are you ready to begin a career as an electrician, plumber, welder, or other related trade? With high wages and short training periods, we offer multiple training and apprenticeship programs to help prepare you for a rewarding career within general trades.
HEALTH CARE
EARN UP TO $50,970/ YEAR
NATIONAL AVERAGE WAGE
Are you ready to make a difference in people’s lives through the medical field? We offer numerous educational and training opportunities that will help to build a solid foundation for a rewarding career in healthcare.
MANUFACTURING
EARN UP TO $49,550 YEAR
NATIONAL AVERAGE WAGE
There is a high demand for manufacturing employees throughout Central Arkansas. We offer training programs to help prepare you for a rewarding career in the manufacturing industry.
RETAIL & SERVICES
EARN UP TO $31,280 YEAR
NATIONAL AVERAGE WAGE
Retail is one of the largest sectors in Central Arkansas, and offers career and employment opportunities for everyone. We offer multiple training opportunities to help prepare you for a rewarding career in the retail
industry.
TRANSPORTATION
EARN UP TO $49,550 YEAR
NATIONAL AVERAGE WAGE
Professional truck drivers are always in high demand in Central Arkansas. We offer multiple training programs to help you quickly gain employment in the transportation industry.