The Fort Smith region continues to experience outstanding economic development activity. We know that a strong workforce is key to our successful, growing economy and business sustainability at every level. To ready, the workforce talent that is here and to develop a steady pipeline of future talent, many workforce development efforts are underway to empower our existing and emerging workforce with education and training that is career-centered and provides relevant skillsets for the workplace.

This focused work is not done in a vacuum or by any one group. A somewhat uncommon partnership exists between the Chamber, businesses, K-12 educators, and the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith. Representatives from different industry sectors, along with our education partners, are all working together to identify and develop learning models that will inspire the River Valley’s current and future workforce to become highly skilled, highly employable citizens to achieve a better life and help support the continued growth of our community.

One new tool in our workforce development toolbox is the Peak Innovation Center. Peak, which operates as part of the Fort Smith Public School system is a state-of-the-art career and technology center that began holding on-site learning in March of 2022. In partnership with the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith’s Western Arkansas Technical Center (WATC), education and skill training is available to approximately 43,000 students from over 22 regional school districts with programs in Advanced Manufacturing, Information Technology, Healthcare Sciences, and the Arts. In addition, the Peak Innovation Center will provide training to adults to provide them with skills to enter the workforce or training to reskill and upskill those already employed.

The future of the Fort Smith region is dependent upon a steady, homegrown workforce. If we demonstrate a commitment to both the young people and those looking to make a career change in this region, we believe they will take notice of the training opportunities available and deliver on the skills they need to be a part of our collective success.

One way for your business to get involved is to consider viewing your hiring a bit differently and more as the development of a longer-term talent pipeline strategy. Apprenticeships are a solution. An apprenticeship is an industry-specific, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, and mentorship. There are different forms of apprenticeships, and we will work with you to identify the best model that fits your company.

The Chamber hosted its 4th Annual Signing Day this month to recognize participating companies and the students and program graduates who are joining your workforce. We highlighted the process by featuring 17 companies and 70 students signing letters of intent in front of over 500 spectators at our May First Friday Breakfast event held at the Fort Smith Convention Center. We hope to expand this program featuring the matching of students and career opportunities in 2023!

For more information on apprenticeship participation, PEAK Innovation Center, or other workforce development questions, please contact Anita Brackin, Vice President, Workforce Development at abrackin@fortsmithchamber.com.