Unemployed or Dislocated Arkansans May Qualify for Free Training

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ROGERS, Ark. – Unemployed or dislocated Arkansans can apply for workforce training at no cost through a partnership between the University of Arkansas Professional and Workforce Development, the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services, the Northwest Arkansas Economic Development District and the Northwest Arkansas Council.

“While people are out of employment, they can take advantage of these training opportunities to help them re-enter the workforce,” said Tara Dryer, director of training, corporate development and academic outreach at U of A Professional and Workforce Development.

Application information and eligibility guidelines are available on the Dislocated Worker Training Programs page of the U of A Professional and Workforce Development website. All applications must be submitted to and processed by Arkansas Workforce Centers. 

Who Qualifies

Many factors affect eligibility and can determine whether an individual meets criteria to receive funding for online workforce training courses offered through U of A Professional and Workforce Development. Only a career adviser at your local Arkansas Workforce Center can determine eligibility. Any Arkansas resident who feels they may qualify is encouraged to apply.

People could qualify if:

• They are displaced workers who are unemployed or underemployed because of a business closure, have been permanently laid off, have relocated due to orders from the Armed Forces, or a natural or man-made disaster.
• They are currently collecting unemployment, receiving government assistance, or otherwise assessed to be in a low-income group.
• They had been dependent on the income of another family member but are no longer being supported by that income.

What training is Available

Approximately 75 online training courses and programs have been approved for Dislocated Worker funding. To see what courses are offered, see the Dislocated Worker Training Programs page of the U of A Professional and Workforce Development website.

Popular training categories include:

• Agriculture
• Business
• Computer Applications
• Engineering
• Legal
• Skilled Trades
• Supply Chain
• Technology

U of A Professional and Workforce Development has temporarily suspended face-to-face training courses to align with the U of A’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Determined to continue to provide quality training during a time of social distancing, the unit recently added more than 250 online training courses through a partnership with a leading online training provider. For a complete listing courses available please see the U of A Professional and Workforce Development website.

Find out more about how the University of Arkansas is Determined to Help those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

About University of Arkansas Professional and Workforce Development: U of A Professional and Workforce Development, a division of the Global Campus, is a hub for professional and workforce development programs and courses. The Global Campus provides expertise in developing and delivering both academic and training courses and offers instructional design services, media production and assistance with program planning and marketing.

About the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services: The focus of the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services is to provide individuals the tools they need to enhance and sustain their employability. And, through the education and skills training offered to jobseekers, employers are reducing hidden costs associated with lost production time and turnover rates by hiring qualified workers.

About Northwest Arkansas Economic Development District: The district is the local provider for WIOA Title 1-B programs. Within this program, NWAEDD is able to provide employment and training services for eligible adults, dislocated workers and youth. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy; every year the key programs that form the pillars of WIOA help tens of millions of job seekers and workers nationwide to connect to good jobs and acquire the skills and credentials needed to obtain them.

About the Northwest Arkansas Council: Established in 1990 by Sam Walton and 30 other business leaders, the Northwest Arkansas Council is a private, nonprofit organization working to advance job opportunities, talent recruitment, physical infrastructure and quality of life in the region. Most of the council’s more than 100 members are companies, including Walmart, Tyson Foods, J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Simmons Foods and George's Inc. Learn more at nwacouncil.org.