Arkansas Workforce Centers
The Arkansas Workforce Centers offer a variety of no-cost employment services and resources for job seekers and businesses under one roof. DWS and other workforce partners work together to help every person reach his or her career goals. Whether you are looking for a job, seeking a better job, or recently separated from a job, we can help you at the Arkansas Workforce Centers.
Some services for job seekers include job search and resume assistance, career counseling, workforce-readiness training, and referrals to employers who are hiring. You can learn about the labor market and the occupations that are most in demand in your area. We can connect you to training and apprenticeship programs that will help you develop the skills you need for the job you want. The Workforce Centers often house additional partners and programs, so you can access a variety of resources and services without visiting multiple locations.
In addition, the local Business Services Coordinators and Workforce Center managers work directly with local employers for the benefit of our clients. Our Centers offer specialized services to assist businesses with their training, recruiting, and hiring needs.
Career Readiness Certification
The Arkansas Career Readiness Certificate provides a portable credential based upon the WorkKeys® assessments. The Career Readiness Certificate is based upon the WorkKeys® assessments and demonstrates to employers that an individual possesses the basic workplace skills required for 21st-century jobs.
Dislocated Worker Services Unit
The Dislocated Worker Services Unit engages the resources of the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services, Area Health Services, the U.S. Department of Labor, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), the Local Workforce Development Areas (LWDAs), and other agencies as appropriate to meet the needs of dislocated workers and employers.
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides benefits for families with children under age 18. The TANF program is designed to help needy families achieve self-sufficiency through employment and training activities provided by the Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA) Work Program. TANF supportive services such as assistance with child care and transportation expenses are available to help the adults in the family prepare for employment and to promote self-sufficiency.
The goal of TANF is to end the dependence on public assistance by preparing you for a job by helping you with job readiness training, job skills training, vocational training, other educational training programs, and assisting you in finding and keeping a job.
WIOA Programs
WIOA stands for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and is designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy. WIOA programs include:
- Employment and training services for adults, dislocated workers, and youth; Wagner Peyser employment services administered by the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services; and
- Adult Education and literacy programs and Vocational Rehabilitation state grant programs that assist individuals with disabilities in obtaining employment, administered by Adult Education; Arkansas Rehabilitation Services; and the Division of Services for the Blind.
Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA)
Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) is a benefit for those workers who lose their jobs or whose hours of work and wages are reduced as a result of increased imports. TAA includes a variety of benefits and reemployment services to help unemployed workers prepare for and obtain suitable employment. Workers may receive assistance in skill assessment, job search workshops, job development/referral, and job placement. In addition, workers may be eligible for training, job search allowance, a relocation allowance, and other reemployment services.
Unemployment Insurance
The Unemployment Insurance program provides financial assistance and employment services to those who have become unemployed through no fault of their own.
Veterans’ Services
The Veterans’ Services DVOP and LVER staff develop increased hiring opportunities within the local workforce by raising the awareness of employers of the availability and the benefit of hiring veterans.
To meet the specific needs of veterans, particularly veterans with barriers to employment the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services utilizes DVOP and LVER staff who are thoroughly familiar with the full range of job development services and training programs available at the Arkansas Workforce Centers, Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and Vocational Rehabilitation locations.
Discretionary Grant Programs
DWS is currently receiving U.S. Department of Labor funds for three grants to promote Registered Apprenticeship in Arkansas:
- The Arkansas Apprenticeship Pathways Initiative (AAPI) Grant–$4 million award through September 30, 2020, to train 600 apprentices in high-demand occupations.
- The Arkansas Expands Apprenticeship (AREA) Grant–$900,000 base award through April 30, 2019, to train 100 apprentices and 100 pre-apprentices in historically non-apprenticed occupations.
- Apprenticeship USA State Accelerator Grant–$200,000 through November 30, 2018, for the coordination of planning and promotion activities to advance registered apprenticeship.
