The Little Rock Workforce Development Board (LRWDB) is featured prominently in the Economic Development section of the recently released “Scott Script.” The 92-page report is a compilation of the recommendations from Mayor Frank Scott Jr.’s transition team for uniting and improving Little Rock.
The Mayoral transition team was composed of eight citizen-led subcommittees: Economic Development; Education; Finance; Inclusion; Mobility; Public Safety and Accountability; Quality of Life and Transformation; and Government Reform.
LRWDB Executive Director, W. J. Monagle, served as Chair of the Workforce Training and Services Subcommittee of the Economic Development Committee. The subcommittee’s high priority recommendations include:
1) Support and nurture a skilled trades and technical career environment by actively promoting and/or creating apprenticeship programs, school-to-work programs, on-the-job training programs, industry-sponsored training, and startup/entrepreneurship assistance programs.
2) Advocate for additional technical training courses in LRSD High Schools through co-crediting programs at technical institutions and colleges.
3) Create a Business Assistance Concierge position to helping existing and potential businesses navigate city regulatory requirements, while coordinating with business support networks and resources.
4) Elevate the work of the Little Rock Workforce Development Board as a convener, coordinator, and repository of workforce development resources. Expand the use and purpose of community centers in East and Southwest Little Rock to serve as rotating satellite “Opportunity Centers” of the One-Stop Workforce Center for job training referral, counseling, and placement.
5) Revamp of the Youth Master Plan regarding Youth Work Training Programs, to ensure best practices are used and meaningful, inclusive impact is achieved.
The full Scott Script report is available online at littlerock.gov/scottscript.
