This “umbrella” workforce training collaborative was formed in 1997 to identify and create business and industry training capabilities and best practices at each college, and to collectively respond to local, regional, or statewide workforce training requests. This is done through sharing resources such as instructional personnel and curriculum.  All 22 Arkansas two-year colleges participate in this consortium.

The WFTC provides training annually to over 53,000 employees and pre-employment workers from over 2,500 businesses and industries (such as advanced manufacturing, transportation and logistics, information technology, aerospace and defense, environmental/sustainable, agri-technologies, construction trades) and other business and community based organizations (such as healthcare, nonprofits, government, utilities, hospitality, education, retail, financial services, public safety).

The two-year colleges voluntarily utilized their own resources to create/expand these high-demand economic development service arenas and, with some later US Department of Labor and National Science Foundation project grants, now employ over 50 full-time trainers/coordinators and 400 part-time trainers employed in business/industry. The WFTC has been nationally recognized for its innovative, collaborative success. It is the foundation model for the development of newer regional, sectoral multi-college training alliances.

For more information on how AATYC can coordinate customized training for your business, please contact Steve Lease at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (479) 424-0071.

WorkForce Training Consortium Member Colleges & Contact Information