CHILDERS APPOINTED TO NATIONAL WORKFORCE INFORMATION ADVISORY COUNCIL

Charisse Childers, Ph.D., director of the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services, has been appointed to the national Workforce Information Advisory Council (WIAC) by Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor Julie Su.

The WIAC is a 14-member Federal Advisory Committee of workforce and labor market information experts representing a broad range of national, state, and local data and information users and producers. The purpose of the WIAC is to provide recommendations to the Secretary of Labor. Dr. Childers is one of four state agency directors in the U.S. appointed, and she will serve a three-year term.

Arkansas is being recognized nationally for its efforts to deliver a data-driven workforce system that ties together government, employers, job seekers, and training providers.

“Governor Sanders prioritizes workforce development and equipping Arkansans with the skills to compete for employment in the current job market,” said Dr. Childers, “This can only be achieved if the information is readily available and robust.  Our data collection methods must contain detailed information about the available workforce and the alignment of skills to in-demand jobs.”  

Dr. Childers said, “Along with Governor Sanders, Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald is committed to advancing and improving the state’s workforce development system so we can continue to grow Arkansas’ pool of skilled workers.”

The Workforce Information Advisory Council will have its introductory meeting virtually in early October, followed by an in-person meeting in Washington, D.C. in early November. More information on the council is available online.