Connect 2 Business Matches Job Seekers with Businesses

In early November, Governor Mike Beebe announced Arkansas's Career and College Planning System, the next phase of Arkansas Works.  Arkansas's Career and College Planning System is a statewide initiative that will equip students and adults with the skills and education required for the opportunities that await them.  Similar initiatives have been highly successful in other states. 

A critical component of this new initiative is Connect 2 Business^®, a tool that helps adults find employment and students find internships and apprenticeships with local businesses.  In turn, Connect 2 Business provides businesses access to a pipeline of skilled workers, allows businesses to showcase themselves and their career opportunities, and helps students connect the relevance of their coursework to the real world of work.

Connect2Business is a three-fold internet-based tool that is seamlessly integrated into Arkansas’s Career and College Planning System; creates awareness of extended learning opportunities (ELOs) and job openings and connects employers with the education community and adults in career transition. 

Connect2Business features include the following:

EMPLOYER

• Creates an online business profile to generate awareness about your company and/or organization.
• Posts extended learning opportunities such as internships, job shadows, and apprenticeships that will prepare local students for the world of work.
• Posts job openings and reach the best suited individuals for your positions
• Sends messages to individuals with the interest, skills and work values that fit your needs.

STUDENT

• Search ELOs through the student database.
• Explore Arkansas career opportunities

ADULT

• Explore business profiles.
• Contact employers directly to inquire and apply for jobs.

Benefits to Arkansas Businesses

• Brand and industry awareness – connect with a pipeline of highly trained, skilled workers in Arkansas.
• Targeted outreach for extended learning and job opportunities – increase enrollment in your opportunities with the best suited students and adults.
• Direct communication with students and adults – get the word out about your ELO and job openings to students that have interests in your industry.
• Enhanced recruiting initiatives – improve your ROI with recruiting programs by matching opportunities to adults with the right interests, skills and work values.

How can you become a part of the Connect2Business community? Getting involved in Connect2Business is easy and FREE to all businesses in the state of Arkansas.

Visit www.arworks.arkansas.gov, click on Connect2Business and sign up today!

For additional information, please contact Susie Marks, Connect2Business Administrator at (501) 210-4206 or smarks@arkansasstatechamber.com.