The Be Pro Be Proud initiative is using a mobile unit to travel the state
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Industries of Arkansas (ASCC/AIA) recently announced the launch of its Be Pro Be Proud initiative to bring a new generation of pride, progress, and professionals to the state’s skilled workforce.
Today’s skilled professional workforce is aging, and the next generation of new talent is not sufficient to fill the demand. Nationwide, there are an estimated 5.6 million job openings. Approximately 60,000 of these openings exist in Arkansas. The majority of these are in highly skilled technical fields. This gap in the state’s employment can be directly attributed to a lack of knowledge, interest, and preparation. These jobs make up a vast majority of the manufacturing sector, which represents more than 90 percent of Arkansas’ exports and is a cornerstone to the state’s economy.