Arkansas Workforce Connections Celebrates Workforce Development Month

Little Rock, Ark. (September 4, 2024) – Arkansas Workforce Connections is proud to announce the celebration of September as National Workforce Development Month in the state of Arkansas. This month-long observance underscores the critical importance of workforce development in empowering individuals, strengthening businesses, and driving economic growth across the region.

Workforce development is vital to Arkansas’ economic health. For individuals, it provides essential training and education that opens doors to new career opportunities, enhances job security, and fosters personal growth. By equipping people with the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing job market, workforce development helps create a more skilled and adaptable workforce.

For businesses and industries, workforce development is a key driver of innovation and competitiveness. A well-trained workforce ensures that businesses can operate efficiently, adopt new technologies, and respond effectively to market demands. Moreover, it helps companies attract and retain top talent, which is essential for long-term success and growth.

“It’s our mission to support both individuals and businesses in their journey toward growth and prosperity,” said Cody Waits, Director of Arkansas Workforce Connections. “Arkansas’ investments in workforce development have consistently led to mutual success for workers and employers. This month, we’re celebrating those achievements and recognizing the professionals, partnerships, and programs that made them possible, underscoring the vital role workforce development plays in advancing Arkansas’ economy.”

National Workforce Development Month is also a time to recognize the dedication and impact of workforce development professionals. These individuals play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our state by helping workers gain the skills they need to succeed and by collaborating with employers to meet their workforce needs. Their efforts contribute significantly to reducing unemployment, closing skills gaps, and enhancing the overall quality of life in our communities.

“I want to give a big shoutout to our workforce development professionals,” said Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald. “They’re the ones equipping Arkansans with the skills and resources needed to find meaningful employment and thrive. Whether they’re career coaches, counselors, training instructors, or employment specialists in career centers, high schools, community colleges, vocational schools, or elsewhere, they’re doing incredibly important work.”

Throughout September, Arkansas Workforce Connections and its partners will host events to celebrate Workforce Development Month. These events include job fairs, workshops, training sessions, and networking opportunities aimed at connecting job seekers with employers and providing valuable resources to both individuals and businesses.

Arkansas Workforce Connections invites all community members, job seekers, employers, and workforce development professionals to participate in the events and activities scheduled throughout the month. Together, we can continue to build a robust workforce that supports the prosperity of our state.

For more on Workforce Development Month in Arkansas, including state statistics and rankings, inspiring success stories, and a calendar of upcoming events, please visit bit.ly/ARWorkforceMonth

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Arkansas Workforce Stats

Site Selection magazine ranked Arkansas number one in the South Central region for workforce development in 2024.

• Arkansans in the labor force: 1,401,412 (July 2024)
  • July 2024 marked Arkansas’ 5^th consecutive month of record-high civilian labor force totals. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
• Employed Arkansans: 1,354,671 (July 2024)
  • Arkansas had record-high level of employment for the 5^th consecutive month and increased for the 7^th consecutive month in July 2024. BLS
• Labor force participation rate: 57.9% (July 2024)
  • Increased in July from 57.7% in June 2024. BLS
• 2023 Arkansas labor force education levels (percent of the labor force aged 25+) Current Population Survey
  • Less than high school = 6%
  • High school diploma = 33%
  • Some college/associates = 26%
  • Bachelor’s degree + = 35%
• Career Readiness Certificates issued in Arkansas (Jan. 2006-July 2024): 116,183
  • www.workreadycommunities.org/AR
• Active apprentices in Arkansas (Oct. 1, 2023-June 4, 2024): 9,735
  • 8,302 active apprentices in FY 2023. Apprenticeship.gov

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About Arkansas Workforce Connections

Arkansas Workforce Connections is a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce and sits at the center of the state’s workforce development efforts. We provide support and guidance to help individuals succeed in their careers while offering companies incentives to maintain a skilled and technically trained workforce, meeting industry demands now and in the future.