company, region, years of experience and other factors. A high school diploma typically shows employers that a candidate has primary knowledge and skills that enable a person to perform common job duties. Unfortunately, a high school diploma alone is not enough to guarantee a graduate can earn enough to support themselves and their family. Further education is necessary to earn a living wage. The MIT Living Wage Calculator is the hourly rate that an individual in a household must earn to support themselves and their
family. For one adult with zero children, an individual needs to earn $15.75 per hour to be in the living wage category. For one adult with one child, that number goes up to $34.96 per hour. The minimum wage in Arkansas is currently $11.00 per hour. Goodwill recognized the potential of Northwest Arkansas as an ideal location for our new center. When deciding on new center locations, Goodwill considers two crucial factors: a population in need of their services and a community with job opportunities for program graduates. These elements are essential for the success of Goodwill’s expansion efforts. Springdale, being an industrial hub with a strong economy and ample employment prospects, holds great importance to Goodwill. The city’s website highlights Springdale as a top job creator in the state and ranks it seventh in the country for annual job growth. Given Goodwill’s mission to transform lives through education, training and employment, it is logical to choose Springdale as the initial phase of their expansion plans as Northwest Arkansas boasts prominent employers such as Tyson Foods, JB Hunt, PAM Transport, George’s Inc., Cargill, Northwest Medical Center, and Arkansas & Missouri Railroad. Moreover, Springdale has made significant improvements in infrastructure, parks and recreation, healthcare, and other facilities and programs. Goodwill takes pride in partnering with the city to enhance the quality of life for Northwest Arkansas residents through education, training and employment opportunities. The new Goodwill Training and Education Center (GTEC) plays a vital role in providing individuals with the necessary training and education to secure well-paying careers that pay a living wage. The Goodwill Career Services team already works with several employers in the area to help individuals attain employment: Cargill, Onin Staffing, TEC Staffing Services, Cumulus Media, and Arkansas Support Network to provide qualified job candidates for jobs as poultry workers, housekeepers, shipping associates, general production, direct support positions, and general laborers. Solution To address the issue of Arkansans facing barriers to a high school diploma and skill development, it is necessary to remove the obstacles that hinder the progress of so many people who need extra attention and guidance. Goodwill plays a crucial role in assisting nontraditional students by enabling them to earn their high school diploma and industry-recognized credentials through wrap-around services designed to help create successful career pathways. Expanding our educational and training programs with GTEC Springdale, the center will offer the same services as located at Goodwill’s General Resource Center in Little Rock - The Excel Center adult high school and The Academy trade school. These educational programs have already helped numerous individuals in Central Arkansas achieve their dreams of obtaining a high school diploma, earning industry-recognized credentials, and securing better job opportunities to support themselves and their families.
I found that there are ways to repackage my skills and try a new career while keeping the best of my past strengths. It’s been a fantastic experience. All the people that I work with have been great. Stan Whittlesey ACADEMY PHARMACY TECHNICIAN GRADUATE
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Unlocking Opportunities
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