Pulaski Times

Arkansas is diverse, with different communities having unique needs that require individual attention. However, a consistent message emerged during visits to various parts of the state in August: there is a need for more skilled workers.

In Northeast Arkansas, the demand for a better-trained workforce is evident as the region has become the top steel-producing congressional district in the nation due to significant growth in this technical industry. Other regions are experiencing expansion in areas such as defense manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and education. However, there is a need to improve local residents' awareness and access to programs that teach these in-demand skills to ensure current job gains translate into long-term success.

One contributing factor is generational. The "Silver Tsunami" refers to the last 3.4 million members of the Baby Boom generation turning 65 over the next few years. Employers recognize this impending wave and understand they need younger generations to fill the gap. Currently, the average doctor is 54 years old, and the average farmer is 59.

Young people entering today's workforce have already faced historic challenges. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, individuals aged 18 to 24 have experienced two distinct economies early in their lives: one disrupted by a pandemic and recession and another characterized by high inflation and tight labor markets since World War II. These external factors have disrupted many opportunities for education, job training, and other building blocks of a successful future.

The good news is that Arkansas is addressing these challenges by creating and promoting programs that help young people connect with job skills and high-wage careers within their communities.

An example of this effort is the Be Pro Be Proud initiative launched in Arkansas, which establishes partnerships between education and industry across the state. This program serves as an initial step for young people seeking technical and vocational learning that aligns with their aptitudes and interests with real-world jobs. Successes are also seen in programs like Fort Smith's Peak Innovation Center where high school students can train in critical occupations and graduate with certificates and marketable skills.

Unique efforts such as Arkansas State University's Meat Market provide hands-on experience for students in agriculture programs while supplying meat snacks for local school children and products sold at farmers' markets.

The Arkansas Army National Guard has partnered with Black River Technical College aiming to retain young workers within the state while encouraging more veterans to call The Natural State home.

In Northwest Arkansas, the HIRED Program assists young people from rural districts connect with training opportunities they might not be aware of otherwise.

Looking ahead 10, 20 or even 30 years into the future remains essential to ensuring that future generations are prepared for their roles in shaping Arkansas’s development—a goal pursued collaboratively across public-private sectors.

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