Arkansas agriculture workers, particularly those identified as low income seasonal or migrant farmworkers, will continue to receive counseling, training and support, through renewed funding to the Arkansas Human Development Corporation (AHDC). Financial support, in the amount of $1,305,806.00, was recently provided by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (DOL/ETA), through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), and National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP) will cover the cost of assessment, counseling, training, and support for unemployed or underemployed farm workers. Tuition, assistance with books and supplies, transportation and an hourly stipend will be available to eligible farm workers, their spouses and dependents to help them obtain full-time employment within or outside farm work. The definition of farm work has also been expanded to include some jobs in the food processing, fisheries and forestry fields.
AHDC is a 52-year-old private non-profit organization with offices across Arkansas. It has extensive experience coordinating services with both public and private training institutions, such as community colleges, truck driving, nursing and welding schools. Its staff, most of which are co-located in Arkansas Workforce Centers, has broad experience identifying and placing clients in public and private sector employment. Services will be available for the period July 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024.
Services are available state-wide. To begin the process, call 1-800-482-7641, extension 0, or email Ms. Linda Scott at [email protected] to locate the office closest to you or visit the agency website at www.arhdc.org. AHDC is an equal opportunity employer and service provider. Veterans also receive priority of service.
