Workforce Readiness
The Future of Workforce Readiness
Trends and Strategies
The future of workforce readiness is rapidly changing as technological advancements, automation and artificial intelligence reshape the job market. To stay competitive, employers and job seekers must be aware of the latest trends and strategies in workforce readiness, including upskilling, reskilling, and soft skills development.
Welcome to the Workforce Readiness section of the Arkansas SHRM State Council website. Workforce Readiness in Arkansas is composed of a broad range of organizations and programs, at the federal, state, and local levels. The common goal of these organizations is to provide adequate quantities of trained, reliable workers throughout Arkansas to meet business and industry needs.
This page contains links to Workforce Readiness resources within SHRM and the state of Arkansas. We hope that you check back with us from time to time and see what new resources we have found for you. We also hope you will send us your readiness ideas and resources you have identified so that we might highlight them here.
To accomplish this statewide goal of workforce readiness, a variety of organizations are working individually and collectively in many programs and projects designed to improve employee skills to make our business and industry more attractive to outside interests and more competitive in our global economy.
These goals can be accomplished by focusing on the following "key" workforce readiness issues:
- Setting minimum education standards for public education.
- Ensuring the availability of "technical skills" training at the post-secondary school level and above.
- Assisting employers in determining their current and future workforce training needs.
- Assisting in the development of "tailored" training programs where "standardized" training programs currently don’t exist.
- Assists in "linking" together business at the local level that has similar workforce readiness and development problems and needs.
- Helps businesses "partner" with each other to share workforce readiness opportunities and costs.
- Helps discover sources of training and training opportunities, and then connect partners with needs.
- Helps discover sources of training and development funding at all levels, then connects partners with needs.
- Assists in matching trained workers with open positions.
- Provides access to workforce training and retraining opportunities to meet changing business needs.
The face of workforce readiness has changed, and is continuing to change, and knowing where to start looking can be a challenge. The starting point for any business for "tapping" into existing or customized training and development resources is your local community college. They have dedicated staff and resources focused on workforce readiness and development and can be your first step toward mission accomplishment.
Workforce Readiness in the Digital Age
As we move further into the digital age, the skills required for workforce readiness are evolving rapidly. With automation, artificial intelligence, and other technological advancements, employees must have the digital literacy and technical skills to succeed in the workforce. Employers must invest in upskilling and reskilling programs to ensure their workforce has the necessary digital competencies. Additionally, digital platforms, such as online training programs and virtual reality simulations, can enhance learning and development opportunities for employees. Overall, staying up-to-date with digital trends and incorporating technology into workforce readiness strategies is essential for success in the modern job market.
SHRM Workforce Readiness Resources
Core Leadership Area: Workforce Readiness
SHRM chapters, The SHRM Foundation and other organizations around the nation collectively seek to improve the workforce at all levels.
SHRM Foundation’s HR Apprenticeship Program which provides a DOL-approved template for the two-year HR apprenticeship.
SHRM’s call to action to bring racial equity to the workplace.
SHRM Foundation’s program to increase engagement of veterans by providing guidance to employers in the recruiting, selection and retention of veterans.
SHRMs initiative targeting improvement of professionals’ skills and abilities to hire, develop, advance and retain individuals with disabilities.
SHRMs initiative which seeks to move people with criminal backgrounds. back into the workforce.
SHRMs initiative providing resources for recruit, retain, and leveraging the value of an age-diverse workforce.
Adult education programs provide basic skills classes to adults with less than a high school education.
Arkansas Department of Education - Division of Career and Technical Education
Leading the movement to bring a new generation of Pride, Progress, and Professionals to North America's Skilled Workforce.
Arkansas Association of Two-Year Colleges has a long and successful history of collaborating with government, business and industry, foundations, and other stakeholders on initiatives that support our member colleges in meeting the needs of their students and employer partners.
The Chamber's mission is to promote a pro-business, free-enterprise agenda and prevent anti-business legislation, regulations and rules.
Division of Workforce Services providing employment services and programs through the Arkansas Workforce Centers
A nonprofit that inspires and prepares young people for success.
America’s Promise Alliance has dedicated itself to pioneering collective impact work, bringing together organizations and communities around the most important issues facing the next generation.
A coalition of businesses, unions, and education and training providers advocating for policies that help workers gain the skills they need for in-demand jobs
An organization that promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace through training, certification, and research.
A nonpartisan policy program at the Aspen Institute focused on advancing policy solutions to help workers and businesses navigate the rapidly changing world of work
JAN is a leading source on job accommodations and disability employment issues.