Arkansas Office of Skills Development

What Arkansas Office of Skills Development does

The Arkansas Office of Skills Development (OSD) is a state government office within the Division of Arkansas Workforce Connections at the Arkansas Department of Commerce, headquartered at 1 Commerce Way, Little Rock, AR. OSD administers workforce development programs across all levels of the Arkansas workforce — from high school students through incumbent workers — distributing state appropriations and federal cooperative-agreement funds as training grants and apprenticeship incentives. The agency is directed by Stephanie Isaacs (appointed October 2023) and governed by the Career Education and Workforce Development Board (CEWD) comprising industry, employer, and education representatives.

OSD's core product set comprises Workforce Training Grants, Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAP), Youth Apprenticeship, Arkansas Certified Pre-Apprenticeship, the American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund ($3,500 per apprentice paid to sponsors after a 90-day probationary period), and a network of 10+ High School Career Centers. OSD leverages external technology platforms — USDOL's Registered Apprenticeship system, the Arkansas JobLink state job board, and partner-developed tools (e.g., UAMS VR medical training) — and does not develop proprietary technology. Recipients include employers (Tyson, Big River Steel, Lockheed Martin, J.B. Hunt, Arvest, Simmons Bank, Google, Radius Aerospace), higher education institutions (UA Pulaski Tech, Arkansas Northeastern College, SAU Tech), healthcare providers (St. Bernards, UAMS), and K-12 programs (Lonoke Business Academy).

OSD's business model is government appropriations and federal grant administration rather than revenue generation; pricing is not applicable to end users since workforce development services are delivered at no cost to eligible participants and employers. Distribution combines statewide field offices (Workforce Connections), self-serve online grant applications (Formstack, Submittable for the national manufacturing fund), and event-driven outreach anchored by National Apprenticeship Week. Funded initiatives include a $35.8M USDOL cooperative agreement (sole national administrator), up to $88M via ADHE Workforce Initiative/ARPA, $7.2M in annual OSD Training Grants, and program-level grants of $1.784M (UA Pulaski Tech advanced manufacturing), $1.2M (Arkansas Steelmaking Boot Camp), $500K aggregate (UAMS maternal health), and $45K (St. Bernards VR training).

Name

Arkansas Office of Skills Development

Legal name

Arkansas Office of Skills Development

Website

https://arkansasosd.com

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Short description

The Arkansas Office of Skills Development (OSD), a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce, administers state and federal workforce training grants, registered apprenticeship programs, and high school career centers for Arkansas employers, workers, and students.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development Services

NAICS

Apprenticeship Training (611513), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Employment Placement Agencies (561311)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Employment Agencies (7361)

akta.pro primary industry

Apprenticeships, Internships & Work-Based Learning Programs (BPACANAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Incumbent Worker Training & Upskilling (EDAAAOAE), Work-Study & Student Employment Program Administration (EDADAHAG), Work-Based Learning Programs (Internships, Apprenticeships, Community-Based Instruction) (EDAKANAF)

Keywords

• Workforce development services
• Apprenticeship programs
• Workforce training grants
• State apprenticeship agency
• Career and technical education

Headquarters

HQ city

Little Rock

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Government Appropriations and Federal Grants: OSD is funded through state budget appropriations from the Arkansas Department of Commerce and federal funding (including a $35.8M cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor for the American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund). OSD distributes these public funds as workforce training grants, apprenticeship incentives, and operational support — it does not generate revenue from customers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

The Arkansas Office of Skills Development (OSD) is a state government office within the Division of Arkansas Workforce Connections in the Arkansas Department of Commerce that strategically invests in Arkansas's workforce by administering workforce training grants, registered apprenticeship programs, youth and pre-apprenticeship programs, high school career centers, and the national American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund. Its core services connect Arkansas employers, job seekers, students, and educational institutions through subsidized training, paid on-the-job learning, and career pathway programs funded by state appropriations and federal grants.

Product overview

The Office of Skills Development (OSD) is an office within the Arkansas Department of Commerce's Division of Arkansas Workforce Connections that strategically invests in the Arkansas workforce. OSD offers a portfolio of interconnected workforce development products including Workforce Training Grants (supporting businesses with customized employee training), Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAP) for various industry sectors, Youth and Pre-Apprenticeship programs for career pathway entry, the American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund (a $35.8M national initiative), and High School Career Centers across the state. These products work together to serve Arkansans from students through incumbent workers, providing pathways from pre-apprenticeship preparation through registered apprenticeship to career employment.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Workforce Training Grants State-funded grants that support Arkansas businesses and the workforce by funding professional employee development, reducing skills gaps, and providing customized technical training. Includes Grow Our Own, Customized Technical, Skills Gap, and Professional Development Grants for employers.
• Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAP) Employer-driven workforce strategy combining structured on-the-job training with classroom education, mentorship, and progressive wage increases to develop employee talent. Includes a 94% apprenticeship retention rate and nationally recognized portable credentials. Designed for Arkansas employers seeking to build talent pipelines across industries.
• Youth Apprenticeship USDOL-approved program allowing individuals aged 16-24 to enroll in registered apprenticeship while attending school full-time, receiving credit for Related Technical Instruction (RTI) and On-the-Job Training (OJT) hours toward program completion.
• Arkansas Certified Pre-Apprenticeship Program (ARPAP) Pre-apprenticeship programs providing instruction and training to increase math, literacy, and pre-vocational skills needed for entry into Registered Apprenticeship Programs. Includes funding support and program approval for Arkansas Certified Pre-Apprenticeship providers.
• American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund National initiative funded through a $35.8M cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor to expand high-quality registered apprenticeships in 120 approved advanced manufacturing occupations. Provides a $3,500 pay-for-performance incentive per apprentice after successful completion of a 90-day probationary period, paid to program sponsors. Arkansas serves as sole national administrator.
• High School Career Centers Network of 9+ secondary and technical career centers located at high schools, community colleges, and technical institutes across Arkansas, providing high school students the opportunity to earn job skills, career preparation, college credit, and industry-recognized credentials at no cost. Includes centers at NorthWest Arkansas Community College Technical Center, Western Arkansas Technical Center, UA Rich Mountain Technical Center, UA Hope-Texarkana, UA Community College Morrilton, UA Community College Batesville, UA-Pulaski Tech Career Institute, Southeast Arkansas Community Based Education Center, South Arkansas College Secondary Technical Center, and SAU Tech Career Academy.

Quantifiable outcome

• 94% of apprentices remain employed with the company when apprenticeship training is complete.
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• UAMS Institute for Community Health InnovationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOSD partnered with UAMS Institute for Community Health Innovation to address maternal health gaps in rural Arkansas through doula training and community health worker programs. UAMS received $125,000 (doula program) and $375,000 (community health workers) in OSD Training Grant Program support. The initiative expands from 28 counties to 14 counties, working with Ujima Maternity Network and Birthing Beyond.
• GooglecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState of Arkansas partnered with Google during the unveiling of Google's new data center in West Memphis. Google offers no-cost scholarships for Google AI courses and Google Career Certificates to tens of thousands of Arkansans, supporting digital skills and AI workforce development across the state.
• Arkansas Northeastern CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOSD awarded $1.2 million grant to Arkansas Northeastern College to launch the Arkansas Steelmaking Boot Camp projected to train 500 individuals in its first year, addressing demand for skilled steelmaking workers in Mississippi County.
• UA Pulaski Technical CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOSD awarded $1.784 million grant to UA Pulaski Tech's Advanced Manufacturing Program to modernize machining and CNC labs, software, equipment, and curriculum, supporting advanced manufacturing workforce training.
• Lonoke Business AcademycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOSD contributed $1 million (matched by $1.5 million from Greenway Equipment) to develop the Ag Power System Technology program for high school students in Carlisle, Hazen, England, Des Arc, and Lonoke school districts.
• St. Bernards Medical CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOSD awarded $45,000 grant to St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro to offer VR medical training for up to 30 Patient Care Technicians, covering clinical skills such as blood pressure, vitals, and pain assessments.
• Women in Technology of Northwest ArkansasminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOSD approved the InnovateHER Technology Certified Pre-Apprenticeship Rotation Program, a one-year program for 20 individuals (primarily women) interested in technology careers. The program launched May 6, 2024.
• Arkansas Division of Workforce ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOSD collaborates with Arkansas Division of Workforce Services, which operates the statewide network of Arkansas Workforce Centers. Dr. Charisse Childers serves as Ex-Officio Member on the CEWD Board.
• Arkansas Department of EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOSD partners with Arkansas Department of Education on workforce development initiatives. Secretary Jacob Oliva serves as Ex-Officio Member on the CEWD Board. LEARNS education reform legislation supports apprenticeship programs statewide.
• Arkansas Division of Career & Technical EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOSD partners with Arkansas Division of Career & Technical Education. Director Ross White serves as Ex-Officio Member on the CEWD Board. Joint initiatives include high school career centers and youth apprenticeship programs.
• U.S. Department of LaborcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOSD operates under a cooperative agreement with USDOL for the American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund ($35.8M). OSD serves as the designated State Apprenticeship Agency per Act 695 (2025) and oversees Registered Apprenticeship Programs in Arkansas through USDOL's Office of Apprenticeship. USDOL and OSD collaborate on program standards, curriculum approval, and apprenticeship registration.
• Arkansas Division of Higher EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOSD partnered with Arkansas Division of Higher Education on a competitive RFP for workforce development funding with up to $88M available through ADHE Workforce Initiative grants and ARPA funds (June 2024). Commissioner Ken Warden serves as Ex-Officio Member on the CEWD Board.
• Manufacturing Apprenticeship Partners (ASU Mountain Home, Baxter, Baxter Regional Medical Center, Bekaert, Canfor, ConAgra Foods, Future Fuel, HYTROL, Lockheed Martin, North Arkansas College, Owens Corning, PACE Industries, Pradco, Rheem, SAU Tech, Simmons, Southern Cast Products, Tyson, UAFS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOSD partners with manufacturers around Arkansas to provide workforce training grants and facilitate apprenticeships leading to high-wage careers. Partners include major employers across aerospace, healthcare manufacturing, steel, food processing, and advanced manufacturing sectors.
• IT Apprenticeship Partners (ACDS, ACORN, American Cyber Alliance, Arkansas BCBS, Arkansas DFA, Arvest Bank, Affirma, Centennial Bank, City of Little Rock, DXC Technology, FAB&T, Fish Tech, First Orion, GSK, Harbor, J.B. Hunt, Lost Forty, Metova, Movista, Oaklawn, Powers, Ritter, Sebastian, Simmons Bank, Windstream)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOSD partners with companies in the IT sector to facilitate IT apprenticeships. Partners include financial institutions (Arvest, FAB&T, Centennial, Simmons Bank), healthcare (Arkansas BCBS, Oaklawn), technology companies (DXC, Metova, Movista), and logistics (J.B. Hunt).
• Future Fit Business Partners (Gerber, Gerdau, Glatfelter, HSM Solutions, International Paper, Mahle, Rockline Industries, Trane)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFuture Fit is an OSD-designed training program addressing skills gaps and preparing Arkansans for high-paying entry-level careers in advanced manufacturing. Partners include major industrial employers in Arkansas.
• Government & Non-profit Partners (ABC AR Chapter, ACEF, AIR, AR Dept of Commerce, AR Dept of Education, AR Dept of Finance & Administration, AR Division of Workforce Services, AR Economic Development Commission, AR State Chamber of Commerce, Associated Industries of Arkansas, Be Pro Be Proud, HCAP, JFF, NATF, NGA, UA, US Dept of Labor)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOSD collaborates with multiple state agencies, non-profits, and federal partners including Arkansas Department of Commerce, Arkansas Department of Education, Arkansas Division of Workforce Services, Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, and US Department of Labor to implement workforce development programs statewide.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Indiana Department of Workforce Development: Indiana's state agency administering unemployment, workforce training, and apprenticeship programs including the Office of Apprenticeship Statewide. Direct peer given similar portfolio (Workforce Ready Grants, apprenticeship oversight, employer partnerships).
• ApprenticeshipNC: North Carolina's state-recognized apprenticeship intermediary within the NC Community College System, administering apprenticeship programs and youth apprenticeship initiatives. Direct peer in apprenticeship-specific operations.
• Texas Workforce Commission: Texas's state-level workforce development agency administering apprenticeship programs, Skills Development Fund grants, and workforce training partnerships. Direct peer to Arkansas OSD given parallel mandate, scale, and structure (state workforce board + training grants).

Broad incumbents

• California Employment Development Department: California's large state workforce agency operating apprenticeship programs, training grants, and unemployment/workforce services. Broad incumbent given much larger scale but parallel mandate structure.
• U.S. Department of Labor - Office of Apprenticeship: Federal agency that oversees the national Registered Apprenticeship system and partners with state apprenticeship agencies like Arkansas OSD. Broad incumbent as it sets the national framework OSD operates within.

Others

• Jobs for the Future (JFF): National non-profit driving workforce development transformation and apprenticeship expansion, listed as a partner of OSD. Adjacent peer in workforce ecosystem with emphasis on policy and program design for under-served populations.
• National Association of State Apprenticeship Directors: Trade association coordinating state apprenticeship agencies across the U.S. Comparative peer as OSD is structurally a member of this group by virtue of its state apprenticeship role.

Regional players

• Workforce Development Board of Western Pennsylvania (Southwestern PA): Local/regional workforce development boards administer training programs and apprenticeships in their regions. Comparable regional counterpart operating under U.S. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) framework.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ArkansasOSD
• Facebookfacebook.com/ArkansasOSD
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/arkansasosd
• Instagraminstagram.com/arkansasosd

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments21 records

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Frequently asked questions about Arkansas Office of Skills Development