WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT CONSULTANT

Position Summary 

The Workforce Dev. Project Consultant will function as the Director of the Office of Apprenticeship. The Director of the Office of Apprenticeship will coordinate and oversee all apprenticeship activities, including the construction trades, expansion of apprenticeship into additional industry sectors, and working with state intermediaries and industry associations. The Director will collaborate with multiple stakeholders to advance programs, and advocate policy activities with a focus on DOL registered apprenticeships. The Director is responsible for developing and coordinating statewide workforce development activities and partnerships as it relates to apprenticeship and for overseeing traditional apprenticeship, construction training, and expansion related grant opportunities. The Director must be effective in working alongside other team members in developing and communicating and pitching a strategy that creates opportunities for OSD to be a resource for stakeholders statewide consistent with the mission of the agency. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.

This position requires on-site employment with no remote or hybrid options available.

Preferred Qualification

Two - Three years of experience in policy, government affairs, workforce development, economic development, or related field.

Knowledge of vocational education and/or career and technical education.

Knowledge of workforce and economic development activities.

Knowledge of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

Knowledge of the construction trades and licensing laws.

Ability to work with database systems.

Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of existing program operations.

Preferred Qualification continued

Ability to plan, prepare, and conduct presentations and meetings.

Ability to develop modifications for policies pertaining to the area of specialty.

Ability to interpret and apply federal and state laws and agency policy.

Strong people skills, professional demeanor, and ability to maintain composure under pressure.

Ability to self-start and meet deadlines.

Team-player, solution-oriented, and ability to think critically and strategically.

Remain accessible and responsive beyond business hours.

Job Responsibilities and Expected Results  

1. The director of the Office of Apprenticeship will be responsible for managing relationships with K-12 and post-secondary institutions, private sector business, chambers of commerce and economic developers, apprenticeship program sponsors, non-profit entities, and other workforce development stakeholders.
2. Responsible for developing and managing workforce development projects with private sector business, regional groups, or statewide associations to make strategic investments in the Arkansas workforce.
3. Responsible for creating memorandums of understanding which outline the details associated with the projects that also establish reporting metrics that shall be followed as part of the project. Other responsibilities include attending state and national conferences on the topics of workforce development, apprenticeship, career and technical education, and economic development.
4. Responsible for the traditional apprenticeship, construction training, and expansion grants OSD offers.
5. Responsible for apprenticeship database systems.
6. Oversee the electrical and plumbing apprenticeship programs to verify compliance with the rules.
7. Responsible for releasing electrical and plumbing apprentices to test after completion of their apprenticeship program.
8. Oversee the Arkansas Apprenticeship Coordinating Steering Committee, State Electrical Apprenticeship Committee, and the State plumbing Apprenticeship Committee
9. Work with occupational licensing agencies that require registered apprenticeship training.
10. Assist in reaching goals by which we measure effectiveness of program and policy impact.
11. Research best practices on workforce development programs including career pathways, apprenticeship programs, and sector strategies with an emphasis on manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, construction, and transportation.
12. Other duties as assigned.