"WIA gave me an opportunity that I would not have [had otherwise]. Look how many people this program is keeping off welfare. WIA is putting us to work, giving us a chance with education. Without WIA we would be nothing. Keep this program going."
Arkansas
Arkansas
Workforce Success Stories
CUSTOMER SUCCESS STORIES
On the Job Training funds and candidate referral help company identify an employee to fill a challenging position. Bill Towler of AMP Electrical & Maintenance Services had an open position that would require training in company procedures as well as the ability to travel for the company, among other requirements. He had had difficulty identifying a candidate because of the travel requirement, so he turned to the Arkansas Workforce Center at Rogers to see if they could help.
An inspiring young woman excels in her WIA Youth job placement, earning 2011 Youth of the Year and competing for a national scholarship. Michelle came to WIA as a young teen with multiple barriers and a non-existent home life. It was obvious from the beginning that, despite her circumstances, Michelle was no ordinary teenager and she certainly was not going to let her past dictate her future. Wise beyond her young years, and eager to take control of her own life and future, Michelle stood out as a young woman destined to succeed.
Cody came to the Youth Program at the Arkansas Workforce Center in Lewisville as a young man with a criminal record. Testing showed him to be deficient in the basic skills of reading and problem solving. Cody needed help from tutors and a strong role model to show him the correct path to follow.
WORKFORCE EXPERTS
Arkansas Workforce Investment Board
Cindy Varner, Assistant Director for Employment Assistance
2 Capitol Mall
Little Rock, AR 72203
KEY WORKFORCE PRIORITIES
1.
High Growth/Career Pathways Initiative: Develop educational pathways to high wage/high demand occupations.
2.
English Proficiency Initiative: Remove barriers to successful workforce entry and career advancement for persons with limited English proficiency.
3.
Mature Worker Initiative: Promote the value of mature workers to the State’s labor force.
4.
Arkansas Disabilities Initiative: Facilitate occupational and professional mobility for persons.
FAST FACTS
- From June 2009 to June 2010 Arkansas had the 7th highest percent change in employment. Only 10 other states had positive growth over this same time period.
- In November 2010, the unemployment rates in Arkansas’ 75 counties ranged from a low of 5.3 percent to a high of 16.3 percent.
- In December 2010, Arkansas’ unemployment rate was 7.9 percent. Compared to other states, Arkansas ranks 18th (out of 51) in terms of unemployment rates.
LOCAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARDS
Find local Workforce Development Boards in this state
WORKFORCE TESTIMONIALS
"I am so thankful for WIA. I was recently divorced and used to run the office for my in-law’s family business, and I have 2 small children. I really did not think I would be able to go back to school to become a RN and was terrified to return after so many years. Without the WIA support and guidance, I do not know if I would have had the resources or confidence to do this. I am very thankful for the opportunity that WIA has given to me so that I can be a good role model for my children and show them how important an education is."
Chrissa
"[The WIA Adult Program] helped me with my confidence and motivated me to believe in myself. Without the program, I probably wouldn't be where I am today: working in the field that I have an Associates Degree in. My lack of experience prevented me from getting employment and the WIA program in Rogers gave me the experience I needed to succeed."
Rocio Sarmiento
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