If you are an Arkansas business owner struggling to fill open positions, you are not alone. Even employers in high-demand fields, such as nursing, manufacturing, and skilled trades, have openings they cannot fill. Arkansas's Department of Commerce projects steady, long-term demand in these industries, indicating that jobs aren't going away. However, certain positions often require education or training beyond a high school diploma, many families cannot afford the additional expense of secondary training or education.
Arkansas is seeing a 14-year high in labor force participation. While that is an encouraging sign, access to the education or training necessary for open positions is not guaranteed. Participation alone does not fully close the affordability gap. The cost of post-secondary education keeps climbing, and families often lack a reliable way to save for it.
This challenge does not have a single solution, but business leaders and HR professionals are uniquely positioned to help. Employers already provide the benefits your employees rely on, like healthcare and retirement. Adding the Arkansas Brighter Future 529 Plan is one way to strengthen your benefits package while...
Source: Talk Business & Politics