A well trained workforce equals a more productive workforce, and there are many training resources available to the businesses in the Arkansas River Valley region. These programs enable the region’s workers to stay current on the latest industry technology trends further increasing the development readiness of the region.

Business and Industry Training Program

The Arkansas Economic Development Commission established the Business and Industry Training Program to provide pre-employment training for Arkansas workers to meet the skills needed in the state’s new and expanding industry.

Customized Training Incentive

The Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Customized Training Incentive team works directly with the Community and Business Development team during the preliminary negotiation process. Once a commitment to the state is made by a business, a Customized Training Incentive Coordinator is assigned to develop a training plan with that business.

Existing Workforce Training Program

This Arkansas Economic Development Commission program provides financial assistance to Arkansas businesses to upgrade the skills of their existing workforce. This training is defined as instruction that provides an existing, full-time employee with the skills necessary to enhance productivity, retain his or her employment and improve performance. Also, this instruction must be conducted in a classroom environment at a work site, a neutral location or an education institution.

• Businesses that are eligible for this program include:
• Manufacturers in NAICS codes 31-33
• Computer firms with no public sales that obtain at least 60% of their revenue from sales that occur outside of Arkansas
• Businesses that perform commercial physical and biological research that falls under the NAICS code 54

Russellville Industry Council (RIC)

The RIC is a local training consortium made up of local Human Resources Managers, Training Coordinators, Plant Managers, etc. among the industries in the area. Recently, the Professional Development Institute (PDI) at Arkansas Tech University took over management of the RIC. The PDI now works with local industries to develop curriculum and coordinates training for workers per industry demands. The PDI also works closely with state agencies to ensure the cost of the training remains as affordable as possible. The cost of training usually is subsidized though state training grants.