Page 3 - JobReady-August 2017 Issue
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Program Spotlight: Arkansas Department of Career Education
he Arkansas Department of disabilities on their quest to becoming formed by the signing of Act 892
Career Education’s mission is independent. ARS has 19 field during the 2015 Legislative Session,
Tto prepare a job-ready, career offices across that state that serve coordinates career and technical
bound workforce to meet the needs Arkansans in all of the state’s 75 education programs in secondary
of Arkansas employers.There are counties. The Arkansas Career technical centers and apprenticeships
nearly 550 employees in the agency. Training Institute (ACTI), located with the skills needed by business
The agency has four divisions: in Hot Springs, is a 24-hour, state- and industry. This division also
Adult Education owned vocational rehabilitation awards grants to public and private
The Adult Education Division facility where Arkansans with entities for workforce development
aims to provide basic skills classes to disabilities can live while studying training.
adults without a high school diploma. to earn certification in more than a Career Education and Workforce
This division provides classes to help dozen career fields. Development Board
Arkansans improve their educational Career & Technical Education The Career Education and
skills and prepare for the General CTE addresses the needs of Workforce Development Board is
Educational Diploma (GED ) exams high-growth industries and helps made up of 18 members appointed
®
or postsecondary standardized close the skills gap. Today’s cutting- by the Governor. This board
entrance exams. edge, rigorous and relevant CTE advises the agency on workforce
Arkansas Rehabilitation Services prepares youth and adults for a development and economic
ARS seeks to prepare Arkansans wide range of high-wage, high-skill, development matters. These board
with disabilities for work and to high-demand careers right here in members represent the various
lead productive and independent Arkansas. industry sectors that are found
lives. This division has an array Office of Skills Development throughout the state.
of programs to guide people with The Office of Skills Development,
From the Board: Director’s Update
Board Elects
New Officers actual jobs and careers while still in
school.
he Career Education and Charisse Childers, Ph.D. Benefits to Schools: WBL can help
schools by expanding curriculum,
Workforce Development exposing students to state-of-the-
TBoard elected new officers art equipment and technology, and
at its July 12th meeting. e’ve all heard the old adage increasing student retention and
Hugh McDonald of Little Rock that you can’t get a job without graduation rates. It can also help create
will serve as Chair and Gina Wexperience and you can’t get a stronger relationship between the
Radke of North Little Rock will experience without a job. However, school and community leaders.
Work-based learning (WBL) might be
Benefits to Employers: WBL helps
serve as Vice Chair. the answer to both of those challenges. employers by giving them a pool of
McDonald and Radke are WBL is a way of introducing students to skilled and motivated potential future
leaders in their industry and we working professionals and help those employees, reducing recruitment
are honored by their service to students understand jobs, careers, and and training costs, and providing an
our agency. the skills that are required in today’s opportunity for community service.
workforce. WBL includes internships, Work-based learning is a win-
mentoring, and apprenticeship. Simply win situation for all involved and we
put, it’s a way for students to test-drive are eager to see more opportunities
a career and learn things that can’t be for WBL in Arkansas. We encourage
taught in a classroom. businesses and schools to come
Benefits to Students: WBL can together to help both our students and
help students see a clear connection our state succeed. Please contact
between school and work which can us here at AR Career Ed if you have
improve their overall academic success any questions about WBL or for any
by showing them the application of assistance in starting a work-based
McDonald Radke classroom learning in a real-world learning program.
setting. It also helps them to explore
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