What a difference this year has made in our many plans and resolutions from previous years! As with most organizations, in March we had to realign and get online quickly, and we found new ways of doing virtually what we had previously done in person.

We connected early and often at NorthWest Arkansas Community College, and our Workforce and Development team has been weathering the challenges ahead to continue preparing like never before to engage with our students, customers and business partners throughout the state. Our team has taken advantage of working remotely and pivoted to becoming connoisseurs of Zoom and Microsoft Teams with much practice and light-hearted fanfare to ensure we stay connected so we can connect with you, our community.

2020 was the year that no area of our lives was left untouched by change. In our work lives, we challenged one another to embrace new perspectives in our relationships when our country’s values so desperately needed to be evaluated and affirmed. Like with many of you, the changes are ongoing and what really matters pleads to remain at the forefront of how we show up every day. 

Strengthening Community by Sharing Innovation Externally
Despite the disruption and change, providing affordable and accessible options to the workforce has remained what matters to us. No matter what kind of learner, we’ve wanted to meet you where you are.

Shorter pathways to certifications and real-world credentials to help you meet your goals has always been at the forefront of our mission. Our approach is centered around who you are while providing relevant and foundational skills training and support:

• For the small business owner who is wondering should I invest in training for my staff and for myself while reviewing the books to gauge the what if I I don’t make the next move - we see you.
• For the high school graduate wondering what comes next now that I’ve prepared everything up to this moment and the uncertainty is overwhelming – we are here for you.
• For the career-lifer who is facing organizational changes and now wondering if this is my cue to pivot and learn something new - we have your back.

Continued Educational Solutions for Industry Training and Personal and Professional Enrichment
The customers we have served over the past 30 years have trusted us for computer and technology training, project management, human resources and leadership training, skilled trades, workplace safety and personal enrichment courses.

We may be online, but we are still ever-present and here for you. The landscape may have changed as we navigate in-person to virtual delivery for most training, but our commitment to come alongside you as your local community college has never changed.

We exist to serve you in the best environment that promotes personal safety, recognizes the diversity of your business and employee needs and channels our energies to customize the best solution for your professional development goals to help you stay connected to your customers. We reach deep because we understand the beat of the human heart is to recognize that in order to thrive, we must promote togetherness. Your team is our team and we can innovate together, learn together, and provide avenues for possibilities, together.

As proof of our commitment to collaboration, during the early months of COVID-19’s impact to our great state, it was our privilege to provide over 13,800 hours of free professional development training to Arkansas students, college faculty and local businesses. We have continued connecting with local schools and businesses to identify their priorities, assess delivery options and define solutions. We will continue to look for ways to fill gaps and meet needs, and your feedback is the most important to us. At any point we would welcome your requests and input.

We are ready to link arms with you and stand strong in the face of whatever 2021 holds, and our goal is that you believe you can take control of this economic moment and become an integral part of a workforce that is future ready. Whether you wish to explore creative solutions or hone your craft, we will help you catalyze your career. To learn more about what we are doing to help you make the next leap, contact Evetta ‘Eve’ Aldridge, Director of Training and Community Development at (479) 619-4175 and visit our website.