Arkansas Advanced Energy Foundation Launches SkillStream to Strengthen Central Arkansas Workforce

Central Arkansas employers are invited to help shape a clean energy workforce pipeline at July 16 Employer Forum.

The Arkansas Advanced Energy Foundation (AAEF), in collaboration with Metroplan, is excited to announce the launch of SkillStream—a new, employer-driven initiative aimed at building a skilled and inclusive workforce for Arkansas’s growing advanced energy sector.

To kick off the program and engage local businesses, AAEF is hosting the SkillStream Employer Forum on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Shorter College in North Little Rock. This free event includes lunch and offers employers the opportunity to shape a customized training and hiring pipeline tailored to their specific workforce needs.

Why SkillStream?

The advanced energy industry—including renewable energy, electric vehicles, HVAC and weatherization, energy efficiency, and energy storage—is expanding quickly across the state. In 2022 alone, Arkansas saw a 4.5% increase in clean energy jobs, outpacing national averages. These jobs often offer above-average salaries and, in many cases, do not require a college degree.

Yet, despite the strong outlook, employers often face difficulties sourcing qualified workers, while job seekers—particularly those from underserved communities—struggle to access clear pathways into the field.

SkillStream addresses this challenge with a comprehensive, seven-phase model focused on:

Ecosystem mapping
Employer forums
Community-based candidate sourcing
Career exploration events
Short-term training with stipends
Work-based learning and direct hiring
Ongoing career support

What’s in It for Employers?

By participating in the July 16 forum, employers can:

Help design training aligned with actual hiring needs
Access funding and incentive opportunities
Improve worker retention, innovation, and productivity
Align with regional economic development and clean energy goals

The SkillStream model has already shown success in Arkansas, with AAEF supporting over 50 apprenticeships, reimbursing $200,000+ in training costs, and providing career coaching to over 200 Arkansans.

How to Get Involved

Employers in the Central Arkansas metro area—including Pulaski, Faulkner, Perry, Lonoke, Saline, and Grant counties—are encouraged to RSVP or sign up for updates by visiting www.arkansasadvancedenergy.com/workforce or emailing workforce@arkansasadvancedenergy.com.

Contact Information:

Lauren Waldrip

Executive Director, AAEF

411 S. Victory Street, Suite 207

Little Rock, AR 72201

workforce@arkansasadvancedenergy.com

501.733.9996

Together, we can ensure that Arkansas builds a clean energy workforce that is ready for the future—and leaves no one behind.