Businesses and Schools Unite to Address Workforce Needs at Rogers Lowell Chamber Event
The Rogers Lowell Chamber of Commerce recently hosted an event dedicated to solving the pressing issue of workforce development in Northwest Arkansas. This pivotal gathering brought together businesses and schools in a collaborative effort to address the growing workforce demands in the region.
This initiative reflects the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to fostering a vibrant economy by equipping employers with the skilled talent they need to thrive. With over 9,000 open jobs across the NWA region, the Chamber recognizes that workforce development is a top priority to maintain the region’s economic growth.
At the event, educators and industry professionals engaged in discussions aimed at creating new talent pipelines and addressing employer’s workforce needs. These dialogue sessions provided valuable insights that can be brought back into the classroom to highlight in-demand careers and multiple pathways to achieving success in Northwest Arkansas.
Key Partnerships: The Rogers-Lowell Chamber has significantly increased its partnerships with local businesses, industries, nonprofit organizations, and civic groups. These collaborations are essential in ensuring that Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs align with current and projected employment data to meet local workforce demands.
Promoting Career & Technical Education:
– Rogers Public Schools: Offers a wide variety of career and technical programs branded as “Launch. Your Future.” These programs equip students with academic, technical, and employability skills that prepare them for college and career pathways.
– NWACC: Provides a variety of programs designed to move students into the job market quickly. The college offers Associate of Arts degrees, Associate of Applied Science degrees, and multiple certificate programs in fields like nursing, respiratory therapy, and physical therapist assistant.
These educational programs are strategically designed to provide students with the skills employers need, ensuring they are well-prepared for the workforce.
Community Engagement: The event also highlighted ongoing community efforts aimed at aligning education with industry needs. Residents were encouraged to participate in surveys and community tables to envision the future of their community and contribute towards a cohesive vision for the region.
The Chamber’s mission to build a vibrant, diverse community that welcomes all reflects its commitment to fostering long-term prosperity for the region. By addressing workforce challenges through close collaboration between educators and industry professionals, the Rogers Lowell Chamber is setting the stage for continued economic growth and talent pipeline development in Northwest Arkansas[2][5].
Workforce Development Initiatives
- Extended Learning Programs: During the 2021-2022 school year, these programs were expanded with funding from the Arkansas American Rescue Plan (ARP) ESSER III grant. This initiative aimed to help students become ‘work-ready’ and prepared for the workforce[1].
- National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC): The ACT WorkKeys curriculum helps prepare students for assessments in applied math, graphic literacy, and workplace documents. This certification is a nationally recognized indicator of workplace readiness skills[1].
- Training for Skilled Labor: Organizations like Business and Industry Training (BIT) offer hands-on training in multiple areas, including electrical systems, motor controls, PLCs, and robotics. These programs specialize in building block training approaches to develop a highly trained workforce[2].
- Job Fairs and Community Events: The Chamber hosts annual job fairs and networking events designed to connect job seekers with potential employers. These events aim to raise awareness about the need for workforce development while facilitating connections between educators and industries[3][5].
- Educational Partnerships: The K2J (Kindergarten to Job) Connect Program brings educators and students together with local employers. This initiative showcases career pathways in various industries and highlights in-demand careers that do not necessarily require college degrees[2][5].
