Workforce Policy & Innovation

Division of Workforce Policy & Innovation

The new Workforce Policy and Innovation (WPI) division is home to the Arkansas labor market information team, which manages Bureau of Labor Statistics programs and publishes data to Discover Arkansas.

You can explore Arkansas labor market information online at Discover Arkansas! If you need assistance finding data, would like to make a specific request, or have a question about labor market information, please contact the Division of Workforce Policy and Innovation at the Arkansas Department of Commerce.

Visit Discover Arkansas

WPI Goals

  • Review data relevant to factors that may affect Labor Force Participation Rate. 
  • Work with Arkansas Workforce Connections and the State Workforce Development Board and ensure federal and state compliance; achieve increase employment. 
  • Engage in inter-agency and inter-organizational collaboration: Arkansas Workforce Connections, Re-employment, Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), external workforce development organizations and employers. 
  • Share state and national best practices in workforce innovations with all state government and statewide stakeholders. 

Labor Force Data 

How is Labor Force Data Used? 

Below are just a few examples of how labor market information is utilized across various sectors to inform decision-making, drive economic growth, and support individuals in navigating their careers. 

  1. Job Searchand Career Planning: Labor market information helps individuals identify high-demand industries and occupations, explore wage trends, and understand regional job opportunities. It also aids career planning by highlighting growth sectors, required skills, and advancement opportunities. 
  2. Recruitment and Hiring: Employers rely on labor market information to tailor their recruitment strategies, target specific talent pools, and offer competitive compensation packages to attract skilled candidates. 
  3. Workforce Developmentand Career Counseling: Educators, training providers, career counselors, and advisors rely on labor market information to design relevant curricula, develop training programs, and offer guidance on career options. This information provides insights into industry growth prospects, job stability, and necessary qualifications. 
  4. Policy Formulation and Government Reporting: Labor market information informs policymakers and regulatory agencies to shape workforce policies and evaluate policy effectiveness. 
  5. Economic Analysis: Labor market information is used to analyze employment trends, demographics, wages, and other factors. It helps economists assess economic health, analyze employment patterns, and forecast future trends.

Contact Us

Charisse Childers, [email protected], (501) 682-3394 

Susan Price, [email protected], (501) 682-3103 

Belinda Gomez, [email protected], (501) 682-3118 

Brian Rogers, [email protected], (501) 537-6742 

If you are associated with the media or press, please contact [email protected]. 

Powered by MHP.SI