Professional Skills Training

“Group of people gathered around a table in an office setting, reviewing printed documents together during a collaborative discussion.”
Arkansas State University and the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce (Craighead County) have partnered with the SHRM Foundation, South Arkansas Community College, and Union County to participate in the Keeping It Local: Employers Driving Quality Jobs in Arkansas grant initiative. This collaborative effort brings together higher education, industry partners, and workforce leaders to strengthen local talent pipelines and support employers committed to creating quality jobs across Arkansas.

 

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Program Purpose

About the Grant Cohort

Through this grant-funded cohort program, participating employers and community partners will engage in shared learning, training opportunities and data-informed strategies aimed at improving job quality, retention and career pathways. Additional program details, eligibility requirements and participation expectations will be added as cohort materials as finalized.

“Person working on a laptop at a small round table in an indoor common area, with a backpack on a nearby chair and plants in the background.”

Program Overview

This 10-week training program is designed to prepare participants for success in today’s workplace by building durable skills first, followed by hands-on professional and technical training. The program is divided into two intentional phases that support both personal readiness and job-site competence. Upon completion of the 10-week program, participants may apply for positions at the participating companies and expect an interview. Classes meet on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Phase 1 classes last 1.5 hours nightly. Phase 2 classes are held three hours per night.

“Several people talking at an indoor networking or employer fair, with two individuals in the foreground holding papers and conversing in front of exhibitor booths with company banners.”

Phase 1: Foundational Workplace Skills

Phase 1, the first four weeks of the program, focuses on the core behaviors, attitudes, and skills that employers consistently identify as critical for long-term success. Participants develop professionalism, communication, teamwork, and basic technology skills that transfer across industries.

“Person wearing a welding helmet and safety gear works on a steel structure outdoors, standing on a platform next to metal beams and equipment.”

Phase 2: Career-Ready Skills

In Phase 2, the last six weeks, participants gain practical, job-site skills through safety training, tool and equipment instruction, forklift certification, and career launch activities, including mock interviews and employer networking.

Apply to Participate

Employers interested in joining the grant cohort will be invited to complete an online application form. The applications will collect basic organizational information and confirm interest in participating in grant-related activities.
Apply Now

Grant Support and Partners

“SHRM Foundation logo with white ‘SHRM’ lettering set inside three blue rectangular blocks above the word ‘Foundation,’ including a multicolored circular accent within the letter ‘o.’”

Keeping It Local: Employers Driving Quality Jobs in Arkansas

The SHRM Foundation's Keeping It Local: Employers Driving Quality Jobs in Arkansas initiative supports collaborations among employers, higher educations and community partners to strengthen local workforce efforts across the state. The program focuses on helping employers assess and improve job quality through locally driven strategies and shared learning. Learn more about the statewide initiative on the SHRM Foundation Website.
“Collection of employer logos including Anchor Packaging, Engines, Inc., FMH Conveyors, Greenway, Hytrol, NEA Baptist, Ritter Communications, St. Bernards Healthcare, TrinityRail, and Unilever, displayed on a white background.”

Local Partners

We extend our sincere thanks to our local partners for their support of this initiative. Anchor Packaging, Engines Inc., FMH Conveyors, Greenway, Hytrol, NEA Baptist, Ritter Communications, St. Bernards Medical Center, Trinity Rail and Unilever play a vital role in strengthening workforce opportunities across our region.