FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 13, 2018
Contact: Devin Howland
Director of Economic Vitality
479.571.8221
dhowland@fayetteville-ar.gov
Fayetteville Collaborates to Create Workforce Development Plan
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — As promised by Mayor Lioneld Jordan in his 2018 State of the City address, formulation of the Fayetteville Workforce Development Plan begins this July. Workforce development plans [DL1] created [DL2] by municipalities are rare, but the City is collaborating with organizations such as the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, Startup Junkie Consulting, Northwest Arkansas Economic Development District, local educational institutions, businesses, and nonprofits to develop the plan over the next 12 months.
The City is working in step with the established economic development plan, Fayetteville First; as well as with the Welcoming Fayetteville Plan and the Fayetteville Digital Inclusion Plan. All three plans foster education, innovation, entrepreneurism, diversity, equity, and creativity.
“Economic development touches so many different aspects of our community,” said Mayor Lioneld Jordan. “None is more important to the long-term economic health of our community than workforce development. We will ensure our targeted industry sectors have the pipeline of talent they need to thrive.”
Workforce development is about developing, retaining, and attracting skilled workers. Fayetteville’s plan will place an emphasis on assisting those with barriers to employment opportunities and will help identify career pathways and resources that lead to sustainable employment at a living wage. The plan will also focus on expanding apprenticeship programs, specifically within the realm of skilled trades. Steve Clark, president and CEO of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce stated, “We are pleased to assist the City with connecting stakeholders and combining resources to formally design a workforce development program that will create our next generation of workforce.”
The Fayetteville Workforce Development Plan will be an actionable, living document that addresses local industry needs and dynamics, and develops strategies for our existing and future workforce.
Check out www.fayetteville-ar.gov/workforce and also learn about Fayetteville’s various master plans at www.fayetteville-ar.gov/masterplans.
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