Governor Beebe Launches Modern Workplace Program With Help From AMS

Friday, Jun 5, 2009

This week Governor Mike Beebe announced “The Modern Workplace” program designed to strengthen Arkansas’s workforce. This program creates a connection between Arkansas companies and teachers to better prepare students for jobs in the 21st Century.

The creation of “The Modern Workplace” was a collaborative effort among the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), Arkansas Department of Workforce Education (ADWE) and the Governor’s Office to address a need voiced by business and industry in the state.

“A relevant education for our students requires teachers who themselves are educated on the dynamics of today’s business climate,” Beebe said. “This program gives teachers direct experience with existing businesses that can then be used to better prepare students for the modern workplace.”

Randy Brinkley of AEDC’s Training and Quality Management Division concurs, giving much of the credit to Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions for a successful program launch. “The concepts presented in the Modern Workplace workshop came directly from Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions’ (AMS) Lean 101 class.”

As taught by AMS Project Managers Bill Kraus, Jim Lilly and Tom Mann, the concept of Lean Manufacturing demonstrates to teachers the skill demands placed on today’s manufacturing jobs.

"It is remarkable how much more meaningful a business/industry tour is for teachers who have gone through the Modern Workplace workshop,” said Brinkley, “Of course, they understand the manufacturing terminology better, but they also have a deeper appreciation for the expectations placed on the workers to perform at a high level and to be part of a problem solving team. They now recognize the signs of progress made by companies toward a leaner environment."

The “Modern Workplace” program was developed as a result of the Governor’s directive to all state agencies involved in workforce issues to work together, provide services, and solve problems in an efficient, coordinated way.

The program takes teachers into the workplace, through simulations and actual visits, demonstrating to them the skills students must possess to ensure successful future employment. They also learn about the many career opportunities available in today’s workplace.

“Teachers can use what they have learned from this program and incorporate it into the classroom every day,” said ADWE Director William L. “Bill” Walker, Jr. “This program will be a strong tool in the development of Arkansas’s workforce.”

The program consists of three phases.

Phase One: “The Workplace Workshop”

A facilitator immerses teachers into a one-day simulated workplace, giving them a first-hand look at what students will encounter after graduation.

Phase Two: “Business Tour”

Teachers tour a select group of businesses to witness the skills students need to transition from the classroom to the workplace.

Phase Three: “The Project”

In the final phase, teachers bring what they have learned into the classroom by creating opportunities for the interaction of students with business and industry professionals.

“This program couples education with economic development, which is a key goal of our agency,” said Maria Haley, executive director of the AEDC. “We have partnered at the highest level to ensure everyone entering the workforce is prepared with the skills necessary to succeed.”

Arkansas’s educational cooperatives, colleges, school districts, and other partners will assist in the implementation of the program.