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Embracing a constantly changing world & evolving to ensure we are providing educational experiences – from technical to professional – that equip graduates for successful careers.

Workforce Development

Meeting the Demands
of the Arkansas Economy

Our job in the ASU System is to embrace a constantly changing world and evolve to ensure we are providing educational experiences – from technical to professional – that equip graduates for the demands of the economy in the 21st century. From cutting-edge research initiatives to skilled workforce training, the ASU System is working to meet the demands of our rapidly evolving economy.

We understand that we must become more nimble and responsive to the talent needs of industry while shaping education around equipping students with the long-term problem-solving and learning capabilities that will allow them to successfully navigate all the seasons of their careers and lives.

Nurturing a collaborative and responsive, student-centered culture of innovation and continuous improvement for the ASU System and all its component institutions are essential to our long-term success and impact.

Explore our workforce training programs across the ASU System in partnership with companies such as John Deere, Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, FedEx, Middleston Heat & Air and many more.

Training Programs Spotlight

Explore how ASU System campuses across the state are working with employers to meet workforce demands.

Career Readiness Education & Skills Training (CREST) Center

The Career Readiness Education & Skills Training (CREST) Center in Jonesboro is a collaborative effort among Arkansas State University, ASU-Newport and Arkansas Northeastern College to serve Northeast Arkansas high school students and employers who need job-ready talent.

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Saline County Career & Technical Campus of ASU-Three Rivers

ASU Three Rivers offers 10 different pathways for Saline County high school students who want to have a high-demand, high-paying career.

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John Deere Agri Tech at ASU-Beebe

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FedEx Aviation Technology Center at ASU Mid-South

Arkansas State University Mid-South supports aviation technology in newly expanded FedEx Aviation Maintenance Technology Center.

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High Voltage Lineman Technology at ASU-Newport

The Technical Certificate in High Voltage Lineman Technology trains students in the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical power lines and systems with partners such as Electric Cooperative of Arkansas.

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Arkansas Aviation Academy at Henderson State

Henderson State offers the state's only public bachelor's degree in aviation & provides commercial pilot training

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Marine Manufacturing at ASU-Mountain Home

This one-of-its-kind program addresses the needs of local industry by integrating basic tools, electrical, gel coat application, masking, and open and closed molded lamination into the manufacturing of boats and other composite based products. The skills taught in this program also apply to automotive, aviation, and other industries.

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A-State Center for Advanced Materials & Steel Manufacturing

The university anticipates close partnerships with steel manufacturers for research, process improvements, testing of advanced materials and steel manufacturing while training a growing professional workforce for the industry and region.

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ASU System Workforce Development News

ASU System institutions are growing the Arkansas trained workforce to meet the economic development demands of the state now and for the future.

21K+
workforce credentials awarded statewide the past 5 years
5K+
workforce credentials awarded statewide 2024-2025
161
credentialed training programs in Arkansas

Workforce Investments

ASU System Trustees Approve First Phase of Career Readiness Center at A-State

The $10.5-million, 20,000-square-foot first phase of the Career Readiness Education & Skills Training (CREST) Center at Arkansas State University to enhance workforce training in Northeast Arkansas approved by the ASU System Board of Trustees. The CREST Center, designed to become a 70,000-square-foot facility over three phases, received a $7.5 million grant from the Arkansas Department of Commerce Higher Industry Readiness through Educational Development (HIRED) program. The center is a partnership with ASU-Newport and Arkansas Northeastern College and will provide job-ready talent and credentials in advanced automated manufacturing, steel manufacturing and food processing for Northeast Arkansas employers.
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Henderson State Introduces Arkansas Aviation Academy as Expanded Program for Pilots

Henderson State University announces the official renaming of its aviation flight training program as the Arkansas Aviation Academy, which will prepare pilots who are not enrolled as Henderson students but are seeking credentials to become commercial pilots.  The Arkansas Aviation Academy, approved by the Federal Aviation Administration, expands Henderson’s long-established professional pilot bachelor’s degree program – the only public university program of its kind in the state.
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Gov. Sanders, ADHE Award ASU System Campuses $9 Million in Workforce Training Grants

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Arkansas Division of Higher Education announce that ASU System campuses in Jonesboro, Beebe, Newport, West Memphis and Malvern will receive nearly $9 million combined for four training grants to support statewide workforce development efforts.
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ASU Trustees Approve $30.6 Million Bond Issue to Finance New A-State Veterinary School Facility

ASU System Board of Trustees approves a $30.6 million bond issue to finance construction for the new College of Veterinary Medicine at the A-State campus in Jonesboro. Design and construction of the College of Veterinary Medicine facility is estimated at $33.2 million. The university plans to admit its first cohort of students in 2026, pending accreditation, in what will become the state’s only vet school.
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Gov. Sanders, Department of Commerce Award ASU System Campuses $10.5 Million in Workforce Training Grants

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Department of Commerce announce that ASU System campuses in Jonesboro, Newport and Malvern will receive a combined $10.5 million for three training grants to support workforce development efforts.
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ASU Mid-South Celebrates $1.8 Million Expansion of FedEx Aviation Technology Center

Arkansas State University Mid-South opens newly expanded FedEx Aviation Maintenance Technology Center. The $1.8 million, 7,170-square-foot expansion into the mezzanine of the existing structure comes eight years after the building was first opened on Nov. 2, 2016.  Since that time, the program has grown significantly, both in terms of the number of students enrolled and the number of full-time faculty employed.
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