As part of its transition to governance under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the Little Rock Workforce Development Board (LRWDB) adopted a strategic * LocalTransitional Plan* in 2016 and 2017. The strategic plan establishes the following Vision, Mission, and Talent Development Philosophy.
Vision
Little Rock will have a world-class workforce with the precise skills to supply in-demand occupations in local high-growth sectors and keep Little Rock’s economy competitive in the global marketplace.
Mission
To establish and cultivate a talent development system that offers employers, job seekers, and communities in the Little Rock metropolitan area the opportunity to realize and sustain economic prosperity.
Talent Development System Philosophy
LRWDB board members believe that…
- There must be a pipeline of skilled workers for Little Rock employers that fosters growth for local companies and attracts economic investment.
- Local and regional workforce needs can be best addressed through partnerships (e.g., city leadership, employers, educators) that support commonly held, locally relevant economic priorities.
- The data-driven needs of local business and industry should serve as the focal point for aligning education, training, and career management resources.
- Every Little Rock job seeker (adult, youth, dislocated worker) should have opportunity and access to targeted training and education that leads to a career with gainful employment.
- A meaningful talent development system must seek to remove barriers for hard-to-reach populations (older youth, returning citizens, individuals with disabilities, veterans, homeless, ESL).
- A transformational talent development strategy must incorporate job readiness (soft skills) training, vocational education, and job placement services.
- Marketing and awareness efforts are essential to tell the LRWDB’s “story” and promote the Little Rock talent development system as a preferred resource for local and regional employers.
- The LRWDB should operate within a regional partner network, providing a viable talent development system for Little Rock that is flexible, accountable, and streamlined in terms of resource investment.
- LRWDB staff must be recognized leaders in workforce development and be fully engaged in efficient, effective practices that connect employers with qualified job seekers.
- LRWDB members must serve as a board of choice for the community and board members must exhibit dedicated, active participation toward talent development objectives.
- By adopting and implementing best practices for talent development and innovative fund development approaches, the LRWDB can become a model for workforce development in the region and state.
- LRWDB board members, staff, and partners should demonstrate the highest levels of integrity, respect, transparency, and trust as they work to implement workforce development strategies.
To learn more about the LRWDB’s strategic plan, view our LRWDB WIOA Transitional Local Plan.