Workforce Strategies for a Thriving Region: Manufacturing
REGISTER HERE | March 31 | 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | The Collaborative (700 SE 5th St #130, Bentonville, AR 72712)
The University of Central Arkansas, University of Arkansas, Crowder College, Northwest Arkansas Community College, and the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis invite you to join Workforce Strategies for a Thriving Region: Manufacturing, a free training event focused on opportunities across Northwest Arkansas, Southwest Missouri, and the broader tri-state region to help disengaged people reinvest into the workforce.
Manufacturing in Arkansas and Missouri is a major economic driver, accounting for approximately 12% of the workforce in both states. In the United States, every $1.00 spent in manufacturing creates $2.69 for our economy. This event will focus on innovations in manufacturing in the I-49 region: the American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund, the talent pipeline, and innovations in workforce education.
This event is a part of a quarterly, collaborative series designed to advance workforce solutions in multiple sectors. This series builds on the success of the I-49 Workforce Summit, offering a deeper, more focused exploration of the most pressing challenges affecting our regional labor market. Each event brings together leaders from education, industry, government, and community organizations to engage in meaningful conversations around timely workforce topics.
These interactive, solutions-oriented sessions aim to:
- Identify persistent workforce barriers and systemic challenges
- Highlight innovative and scalable practices already underway
- Foster partnerships and regional alignment to drive real progress
Space is limited. Registration is FREE but is required and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
REGISTER HERE!
Draft agenda:
8:00 – 8:30 a.m. | Check-In and Networking
8:30 – 9:45 a.m. | American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund
9:45 – 10:00 a.m. | Break
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. | The Talent Pipeline: Employer Perspectives (Panel)
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Highlights in Higher Education
12:00 – 12:15 p.m. | Debrief and Dismissal
Workforce Strategies for a Thriving Region: Upcoming Events
Save the dates for upcoming topics in the “Workforce Strategies for a Thriving Region” series! Session topics and dates include:
- June 10, 2026: Housing and Childcare – Tackling two of the biggest non-wage barriers to workforce stability
Registration links for upcoming events can be found on this landing page and will be available soon.