‘Tool For The Future’
Hutchinson announces Ready For Life Initiative
During a news conference on Wednesday, Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced the Ready for Life Initiative.
“It is good to be here to talk about something that is important for education, our workforce and our employers as well,” Hutchinson said.
He explained the CARES Act funding included governor’s discretionary funding, which is where the $14.7 million for this initiative is coming from. Those funds are meant to improve educational opportunities.
He said one of his longterm goals has been to connect work skills and work certifications with employers.
The integrated education and workforce analytics website for the initiative is www.readyforlife.arkansas.gov. He called it a tool for the future.
“It will be unique. It will be searchable. It will be used by employers. It will be used by workers to make sure we connect the workforce and their skills with the right employers,” Hutchinson said.
This project is providing $4.5 million to two-year institutions to expand workforce training opportunities in high-wage and highdemand careers.
The website will feature three key parts — a learning management system, a statewide longitudinal data system and learner employer records. The records will show workers’ credentials to match them with potential employers.
He said it will also be used to recruit companies to Arkansas by showing them what skills the workforce has in the state.
Hutchinson said the state needs people across the state to know this initiative exists so $200,000 of the budget will go to market it.
Secretary of Education Johnny Key said the website will provide support by connecting workers to resources and educational opportunities.
“It is an unbelievable opportunity for our state,” said Rick Neal, of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce.
He said the initiative supports collaboration between education, employers and job seekers.
Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston said when businesses are looking to relocate to the state they always ask about the workforce.
With this new website, they will be able to show those businesses what is available in the state a specific areas of the state.
Preston said if the state can be a leader in workforce development it can become a leader in the economy.
Sen. Jane English said workforce development is the most important thing to do for the state.