AR Division Of Workforce Services (ADWS) & Forge Institute Complete First Cycle Of IT/Cyber Fundamentals Course, Trained Under Or Unemployed Arkansans For A Future Career In Technology

Arkansas Division Of Workforce Services (ADWS) & Forge Institute Complete First Cycle Of It/Cyber Fundamentals Course, Trained Under Or Unemployed Arkansans For A Future Career In Technology 

Key Facts:

• Over 110 applications were received within the first week

• Private and public sector entities are eager to fill basic IT and Cyber positions

• Collaboration provides workforce-ready supply of skilled, entry-level talent for employers

LITTLE ROCK, AR, January 22, 2021. Forge Institute and the Arkansas Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Services, recently partnered to provide eligible Arkansans in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program with the opportunity to participate in workforce-readiness training, designed to help them move towards a higher-paying job in information technology.

The program targeted individuals interested in pursuing careers in IT/cybersecurity. The training was made available virtually and led by Forge Institute’s expansive team of cyber experts. Participants gained an understanding of information technology concepts and developed practical skills needed to succeed in an entry-level information technology or cybersecurity position. In addition, individuals in the program received hands-on training, participated in focused group discussions, and gained professional coaching from recognized industry leaders. This all-encompassing training program was designed to increase participant employability and robust the supply of a skilled, workforce-ready pipeline for industry. In addition, each participant was eligible to participate in a structured Career Readiness & Resume Workshop provided by the Arkansas Center for Data Science.

“We wanted to do our part in providing Arkansans with a modern training opportunity, to boost their skills and help place them on a pathway for employment and career growth. A well-trained workforce-ready state is paramount to growing the information technology and cyber sector of our economy. It is great working with Dr. Childers, Phil Harris and the team at ADWS and Career Pathways” said Lee Watson, Chairman and CEO of Forge Institute. “In addition, we want to thank the numerous instructors, coaches and employers who participated over the course of the 7-week program.”

“We have seen consistent job growth in the information technology field over the past several years and this has led to more and more employers in need of workers with IT skills. The increased use and dependence on technology and the internet has also increased the demand for these workers, especially cybersecurity professionals. We are excited to collaborate with Lee Watson and the team at Forge Institute to provide Arkansans with another opportunity to gain professional skills for well-paying jobs that are, and will continue to be, in high demand in Arkansas.” Dr. Charisse Childers, Director, Arkansas Division of Workforce Services  

The first 7-week cycle of training commenced on December 7, 2020 with 18 individuals from 12 counties across Arkansas, and concluded on January 22, 2021. 

The next cycle will start in a few weeks. Those interested in applying for future courses should visit: https://www.forge.institute/training-application

Employers interested in interviewing participants should email crystal@forge.institute or call 501-500-0812.

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About Forge Institute

Forge Institute provides a number of workforce development courses and other unique services that empower our partners with cutting-edge technologies and capabilities to advance cyber operational objectives and further enhance our national security posture. For more information, visit Forge Institute at: https://www.forge.institute.

About the Arkansas Department of Commerce:

The Arkansas Department of Commerce is the umbrella department for workforce and economic development drivers. Its divisions and regulatory boards include Division of Aeronautics, Waterways Commission, Wine Producers Council, Division of Workforce Services, Office of Skills Development, State Bank Department, Insurance Department, Securities Department, Economic Development Commission and Development Finance Authority. It was established July 2019 as part of Governor Asa Hutchinson’s wide- sweeping efficiency and transformation efforts to reduce 42 cabinet agencies to 15 while maintaining services for all Arkansans.                           

About the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services:                                                    

The Arkansas Division of Workforce Services is a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce. ADWS administers Arkansas’ Unemployment Insurance program and facilitates employer compliance with the Arkansas Employment Security Law, collects unemployment insurance contributions from employers, provides unemployment insurance benefits to those eligible, and maintains management information systems for filing unemployment insurance claims and fraud detection.