School of Workforce and Economic Development

NWACC’s Workforce and Economic Development (WED) provides innovative educational solutions for industry training and personal and professional enrichment. Our strategic training enables community members and organizations to adapt to a rapidly changing global business environment. In addition, WED offers hands-on training and experience-based learning in the skilled-trades to accommodate the rise in demand for skilled workers.

Workforce and Economic Development works with individuals, teams, and organizations to provide strategic training and a competitive, workforce-ready advantage through the upskilling of every level of worker. The types of training that Workforce and Economic Development offers are as diverse as the industry needs represented in NWA today. And our primary goal is to empower the greatest number of people to achieve maximum talent development for the betterment of themselves, their families, and their communities. In Workforce and Economic Development, we catalyze a future-ready workforce.

Adult & Community Education

Community Education

NWACC is a curated, community-facing learning hub offering a wide range of workshops, bootcamps, and learning experiences. It supports learners in staying grounded in their personal and academic goals while encouraging exploration and growth. View the catalog at https://training.nwacc.edu/

Workforce & Economic Development

NWACC’s Workforce and Economic Development (WED) delivers hands-on, industry-focused training for individuals, teams, and organizations. From skilled trades to professional development, WED helps people build real-world skills and stay competitive in a fast-changing job market. Our goal is simple: empower as many people as possible to grow their talent, support their families, and strengthen their communities. At WED, we’re building a future-ready workforce-one skill at a time.

Accelerated, Accessible Learning for All

WED offers flexible, non-credit courses online and onsite at NWACC’s Bentonville campus- no college admission required. Classes start year-round, vary in length, and are designed to quickly build skills that open doors.

Training for Every Career Stage

Whether your’re just starting out, switching paths, or leveling up, WED provides workforce training tailored to your goals. Programs include:

• Workforce Certificates- Focused, industry-recognized skills for in-demand jobs.
• CEU Courses - Professional development classes that meet continuing education requirements.
• Applied Science Degrees 

​WED exists to equip leaners with real-world skills that drive personal growth and economic mobility.

Contact

training@nwacc.edu

Project Management

Lean Management

Spreadsheet- Excel Learning

Associate of Applied Science in General Technology

.A.S. Degree Length: 60 Credit Hours

Degree Description: The Associates of Applied Science in General Technology Degree Plan enables students to design an individualized program of study to fulfill workforce training goals that cannot be met through the completion of any single degree program presently offered at the college. With the approval of a workforce advisor, the student will select from multiple technical disciplines and develop a program containing a major technical focus and related technical support courses, to include possible PLE credit gained from prior completion of industry recognized credentials and/or experience.

General Technology, A.A.S. - Degree Plan  

Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace - Certificate of Proficiency  

Electronics Technology and Automation

Option 1 incorporates electronics courses, advanced technology courses and robotices into a single degree to prepare students for jobs in industry and manufacturing.

Option 2 is intended for students currently employed in or re-entering the electronics field. The courses, offered in partnership with Northwest Technical Institute (NTI), allow students to upgrade their technical skills or to acquire the additional general education necessary to advance into supervision or management.

The electronics industry is characterized by rapid technological advances and has grown faster than most other industries over the past 30 years. Much of the continuing growth in this industry is expected to be among the professional specialty occupations.

Electronic semiconductor processors and electrical and electronic assemblers will also grow faster than the industry average. Highly skilled technical personnel should be able to take advantage of the increasingly sophisticated level of manufacturing technology as industries become more integrated and manufacturing processes more advanced. Employment of electronics production workers and managers is expected to grow more slowly than average.
In general, earnings in the electronics industry are high, although this is partly because many of the lower wage production jobs have been automated or exported to other countries. Average weekly earnings of all production and nonsupervisory workers in the industry were higher than the weekly average for all industries.

Students interested in the electronics technology field need to have an aptitude for math and science and the ability to keep up with rapidly changing technology. A culminating internship in the program allows students to apply the technical knowledge they have learned in classes and labs to specific positions in area industries. Graduates of the program will receive an A.A.S. degree in Electronics Technology.

NOTE: Not all courses are available each semester; check course descriptions for prerequisite requirements.

** Designates NTI course work. NTI courses must not be 30 or more credit hours for the entire degree. Total Hours 60-61

Associate of Applied Science

Electronics Technology and Automation, A.A.S. - Degree Plan  

Certificate of Proficiency

Electronics Technology and Automation - Certificate of Proficiency  

Industry Solutions Developing Talent On Demand

Strategic Vision 

Top-performing organizations have one critical thing in common: motivated individuals who are connected to a clear strategic vision and prepared to achieve. From entry level to highly proficient, WED can create this in your organization. We can help you clarify strategy, identify gaps in the current skills, attitudes, and behaviors of your employees, and provide the consulting and training that closes these gaps.

Data Driven Needs Assessment

For organizations, WED uses a variety of validated surveys and questionnaires to assess current and desired skill levels providing a baseline of current performance and a benchmark for future attainment. WED is committed to understanding and maintaining knowledge of industry trends and requirements present and future, tailoring available training to comply with industry standards.

Targeted Results

WED helps organizations develop measurable objectives for each learning program - providing a means to measure the effectiveness of the training. Depending on the nature of the learning program, these results might include reduced turnover, higher levels of customer service, improved performance and productivity, improved error rates, time to competency, improved satisfaction with team culture, or other measures.

National Training and Partnerships

WED also provides training on a national scale through our Institute for Corporate and Public Safety, which is funded in part by the Department of Homeland Security. As well as national and international customized training, our affiliation with the Global Corporate College. Likewise, WED hosts Retail & Supplier Education programming that produces Certified Retail Analysts as well as multiple pathways into the global vendor and supplier communities.

Our partnerships include world leaders that help organizations translate business strategies into business results by developing the skills and performance of their people.

Flexible Programs

WED has a variety of course delivery options for client organizations: instructor-led onsite training at the Shewmaker Center for Workforce Technologies on the Bentonville campus, at the employer’s location, or at other offsite locations, as well as web-based multimedia training, webinars, and blended learning approaches.

Professional Development Solutions

Customized Learning Solutions for Professional and Personal

WED offers courses and programs for every type of worker, from entry-level to executive leadership that allow individuals to build and improve trade skills while maximizing career opportunities and income. Skills may include improved customer service, time management, productivity and preparation for in-demand jobs.

Accessible Courses

Individuals can take WED courses onsite at the Bentonville campus and online. Online courses may include multimedia training, webinars, and blended learning approaches.

WED courses are accelerated skills training (non-credit) and do not require college admission for individuals. Our accelerated classes begin throughout the year and last from a few hours to several months in length.

Registration is continuous, and new course offerings are added frequently.

Feel free to view our schedule of classes online at NWACC Workforce and Economics Development.

Workforce Development Training

NWACC’s workforce development training mission is broad, addressing all stages in a worker’s career. Classes and programs are designed to meet the training needs of the emerging workforce; incumbent workers; transitional workers; and entrepreneurs. Workforce-related career credit classes award CEUs (Continuing Education Units), a nationally recognized measure of competency.

Workforce development training encompasses the following:

Workforce Certificates: Geared toward the emerging or transitional worker, these programs offer training for those occupations which require a set of specialized industry-recognized skills, but not a higher education degree. Associate of Applied Science degree: Credit program that is awarded for the completion of the Construction Technology program. For more information, contact (479) 936-5175.

Professional Development Classes

These classes cater to individuals seeking to obtain or improve skills in a specific subject area or to complete profession-related CEU requirements. For more information, contact (479) 936-5175.

Retail & Supplier Education Programs

Our unique programs meet the area’s growing need for retail industry professionals to manage the needs of Walmart and the NWA supplier community. These programs include the following:

Certified Retail Analyst Program (CRA) a competency-based program that helps individuals with limited or no analytical experience gain the skills necessary to enter and/or advance within the retail industry. Our program focuses on the development or strengthening of 4 key competencies: critical thinking, strategic thinking, collaborative skills, and technical skills. Our comprehensive program utilizes data from multiple sources which enables the student to layer that data and analyze their findings to create actionable recommendations. Students actively engage in realistic “day in the life” projects which enable themto conduct qualitative analysis and steps to maximize Walmart’s Scintlla. The program teaches the retail fundamentals, managing large data sets, creating retail tools, supply chain, strategic analysis, retail math and analytical techniques. We incorporate and apply the 4 CRA competencies to improve their analytical skillsets, insights and storytelling. The program culminates with students presenting their product category analysis, analytical research, recommendations and actionable insights to community business leaders during Night with NWACC.

For more information, contact retail@nwacc.edu or call 479-619-4116 (see Workforce Certificate Programs section, which follows).

Space Planning/Self-Management Training provides training solutions for existing retail professionals and enables them to utilize Blue Yonder ProSpace software to draw modulars and analyze planograms to keep pace with the rapidly changing retail industry.

Workforce & Economic Development Policies & Procedures

Registration & Payment Policies And Procedures

The registration process for Workforce classes are all through online enrollment through the Workforce program website pages. Individuals may pay for tuition and fees in full, sign up for a TouchNet Student Payment Plan online, or provide Employer information for invoicing at the time of registration.

Registration FAQs

Registration is not allowed by mail or phone, registrations processed online with registration links located on each Workforce program website page. For questions on registration processes, please contact us at (479) 619-4116.

Online Registration: For business and professional development classes, visit NWACC Workforce and Economic Development, click on “Training Courses,” select a training category, then follow the prompts to register and pay online.

Retail & Supplier Education Registration Policies and Procedures

Individuals interested in registering for these programs should email retail@nwacc.edu to sign up for an advising session, or call (479) 619-4116 to make sure they have met their prerequisites and submitted the required documents prior to registration. Advising sessions are conducted in person or virtually at the student’s convenience.

Drop/Withdrawal

Personal/Professional Development Drop/Withdraw/Transfer Policy

Personal/Professional Development students may drop a class no later than three (3) business days prior to the first class meeting.

Personal/Professional Development students are eligible for withdraw if less than sixty percent (60%) of the contact hours have been completed. No refund will be given.

Personal/Professional Development class transfer requests are accepted no later than 3 business days prior to the first class meeting.

Email requests to workforceadmissions@nwacc.edu for Personal/Professional Development classes. Students should contact the Personal/Professional Development Coordinator for more information.

Refer to Class Drop/Withdraw/Transfer (Non-Credit) Policy (10003) for the most recent procedures

Retail & Supplier Education Drop/Withdrawal Policy

Students may withdrawal from the Certified Retail Analyst Program or Space Planning/Shelf Management Program classes and receive a “W” on transcript based upon the last date to withdraw as designated in the academic calendar.

It is the student’s responsibility to complete and submit appropriate program Drop/Withdraw/Transfer Forms within the specified class refund periods.

For Retail & Supplier Education classes, email workforceadmissions@nwacc.edu and complete a drop form.

Refer to Class Drop/Withdraw/Transfer (Non-Credit) Policy (10003) for the most recent procedures.

Transfers and Substitutions

Transfers are made based on seat availability. Companies sending employees to a class will have the option to register a substitute and have a previously registered employee removed from the class roster before the class meets for the first time. Request may be made by emailing workforceadmissions@nwacc.edu.

Grading Policy

For institutional policy, refer to NWACC Grading (Non-Credit) Policy (10005).

Continuing Education Grading Policy

Individuals will receive an “S” (Satisfactory) or “U” (Unsatisfactory) grade in each course. An unsatisfactory grade results in no Continuing Education Units being awarded. Individuals who are working toward a career certificate must earn an “S” in all required or elective courses to achieve certificate completion.

Students will receive a “U” for any courses in which they fail to attend and/or do not adhere to the Class Drop/Add/Withdrawal Policy (Non-Credit).

Retail & Supplier Education Grading Policy

Students enrolled in the Certified Retail Analyst Program will receive a grade of A, B, C, D, or F, based on a 10-point grading scale, where 90-100 = A, 80-89 = B, 70-79 = C, 60-69 = D, and 59 and below = F. A grade of “C” or better for all classes is required for successful course completion. Students are graded based upon course work, exams, projects, participation, and attendance. Students must also receive a satisfactory grade of “C” or better in the Retail Analytical Techniques class in order to receive certification as a Retail Analyst.

Students enrolled in the Space Planning? Shelf Management Program will receive a grade of “S” for satisfactory or “U” for unsatisfactory in the introductory class and the advanced class. Students are graded based upon course work, projects, exams, participation, and attendance. Students must receive an “S” in each of the classes to successfully complete the total program.

Students will receive a “U” for any courses in which they fail to attend and/or do not adhere to the Class Drop/Add/Withdrawal Policy (Non-Credit).

Students Stopping Out/Late Enrollments

In some programs, students are allowed to enroll late or stop out for a period of time. Students not completing all assignments or hours required for progression to the next class or certification will be awarded a grade at the end of the term indicating that the student is making satisfactory progress but has not met all course requirements for completion. Grade notes will indicate assignments/hours completed. Students may re-enroll in the course in a subsequent term to complete the required assignments or hours needed.

Workforce & Economic Development Programs

CR - 01 Fanuc Certified Robot Operator

Curriculum Description: The course covers the tasks that an operator, technician, engineer or programmer needs to setup, record, and/or troubleshoot programs on a FANUC Robot using HandlingTool software.

Students successfully completing the course will be able to:

• Power up and jog the robot
• Teach Frames
• Recover from common program and robot faults
• Execute production operations
• Create, modify and execute a material handling program
• Create and execute MACROs
• Monitor, force and simulate input and output signals
• Backup and restore individual programs and files

Recommended safety procedures are integrated into all training exercises. The course consists of lectures, chapter reviews, demonstrations, and a series of lab exercises designed to reinforce what the student has learned. Completion of the course and achievement of a passing score on the post-test will result in the FCR-01 FANUC Certified Robot Operator certificate.

Prerequisites: GED or High School diploma; students currently enrolled in high school may enroll in the course but certificate will not be issued until successful completion of HS diploma or GED.

Email wedforms@nwacc.edu, or call 479-619-5107 for more information.

Certified Retail Analyst (CRA) Certificate

Program Length: 360 contact hours

Prerequisites: There are two sets of prerequisites that must be satisfied for admittance into the CRA program:

• Incoming students must submit a copy of an accredited college transcript showing a passing grade in College Algebra and English Composition I or have a passing grade on the placement test. For more information, email retail@nwacc.edu or call 479-619-4116
• Incoming students must complete or show proof of completion of CRA Intro to MS Office and Advanced Excel & Database Management prior to being admitted into the core program.

Note: In lieu of the MS Office prerequisite, an incoming student may choose to show successful completion of CISQ 1103 or within the last 3 years OR incoming students with an advanced degree and practical MS Office experience (college projects, internships, work) may be eligible to apply Life Learning Experiences in lieu of the MS Office prerequisite.

In lieu of the Database Management prerequisite, an incoming student with an advanced degree and practical Database Management experience (college projects, internships, work) may be eligible to apply Life Learning Experiences in lieu of the Database Management prerequisite.

Curriculum Description: Combine advanced computer skills with an understanding of today’s retail analytical business strategies. This competency-based program teaches the fundamentals of retail analysis that lead to sales and market-share growth. It focuses on the development of skillsets such as technical, communication, problem solving, as well as critical and strategic thought processes to ensure student success in career endeavors. Well recognized, respected and supported in the Walmart supplier community. Local industry experts, emphasizing practical business application of day in the life analytical applications to ensure students gain the skills needed to gain employment and succeed.

Required Documents:

• College Transcript (grade of “C” or better) for College Algebra/Quantitative Reasoning and English Composition I (or higher level English or Math), or
• Accuplacer Exam with the following scores:
  • College Algebra score of 250+
  • English Composition I score of 260+

Required Courses:

• Retail Industry Foundations - 45 hrs.
• Retail Link Data Management - 45 hrs.
• Retail Supply Chain & Replenishment - 45 hrs.
• Retail Strategic Analysis - 45 hrs.
• Retail Tools Integration - 45 hrs.
• Retail Analytical Techniques - 45 hrs.

For more information, please refer to Workforce and Economic Development Certified Retail Analyst Program.

Space Planning/Shelf Management Summary

The Space Planning/Shelf Management (formerly known as ProSpace) program teaches students with a background in retail how to use Blue Yonder’s (previously known as JDA) ProSpace software.

The program consists of two classes that meet for 12 weeks:

• Intro Shelf Management/Plan-ProSpace (7 wks.) - 24 hrs.
• Adv. Shelf Management/Plan-ProSpace (5 wks.) - 15 hrs.

Students in the introductory course will learn the functionality of the software, and gain hands-on experience building planograms, also known as modulars.

Students in the advanced course will learn how to use ProSpace analytics to improve sales and profitability, and to identify the right product mix and positioning for store fixtures. NWACC utilizes the latest version of proprietary (ProSpace) software. Students will access this software through a virtual desktop.

Prerequisites: Students must have retail experience, supplier/3rd party experience or be a CRA graduate.

NWACC/BIT Partnership

NWACC and Business and Industry Training (BIT) have a partnership to provide instruction leading to the Associate of General Technology Degree for students interested in career and technical fields. BIT will provide the career and technical component of the degree up to 50% of the credits needed to complete a General Technology Degree, from potential courses such as: Electrical Systems, Motor Controls, PLC’s, Thermal Process Controls, Mechanical Drives, CNC, Robotics, Pneumatics, Hydraulics, Safety Training such as CPR/First Aid, ARC Flash, Confined Space, OSHA 10 & 30, etc. NWACC will provide the general education courses and career and technical electives to make up the remaining 50% of the degree. Thirty (30) of the sixty (60) curriculum hours can be career and technical classes provided by BIT that are awarded prior learning credit upon successful completion of the courses. These 30 hours from BIT will only be awarded with evidence of successful completion and a letter requesting prior learning credit from the Dean of Workforce.

Courses that are currently listed in NWACC’s MOU with BIT are:

Students taking specified course work through Business and Industry Training can request prior learning credit from the Dean of Workforce toward the Associate of Applied Science in General Technology. Per policy, NWACC will only accept 30 hours of prior learning toward and associate degree which requires 60 hours. Only fifty percent (50%) of certificate requirements can be from prior learning.
Note:

1. Students must complete 15 credit hours of coursework at NWACC to earn an associate degree and 25% of the credit hours required for a certificate program.
2. NWACC will award prior learning credit using the state’s PLC formula from policy 3016 for Business and Industry Training courses upon successful completion of the following courses toward the AAS in Gen Tech, provided students have successfully completed all of the quizzes, tests, and performance profiles and can show evidence of completion in the form of grades, hours, and/or certificates.

Project Management Professional (Pmp®) Certification Exam Prep (36 Hours)

Curriculum Description: This program is designed for project managers, team leaders and executives who want to advance their career as project management professionals. This course covers the updated Project Management Body of Knowledge v7 (PMBOK Guide 10th Edition), the 2022 materials and prepares you for the PMP Certification Exam.

Topics covered include:

• Project characteristics
• Organizational structures and the project manager’s role
• Key project management skills
• Project management knowledge areas and process groups
• Project phases and life cycles

Students will learn about the project charter, scope statement, project management plan, and project schedules. Additionally, they will understand the methods for estimating activity durations, project costs, and potential project risks. Team development and contract management techniques are also covered in detail. The courses are taught by seasoned project management professionals who have a wealth of experience to share about the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) and the application of that knowledge in various work settings. Who Should Enroll? Students who desire to take the PMP Exam and receive their certification.
Textbook and materials included in tuition and available first night of class. Certification exam costs are not included and are available through the Project Management Institute.

We also offer online Professional Development Unit (PDU) approved courses to help you maintain certification. Contact us at wedforms@nwacc.edu for more information.

Teambuilding

Contact us to discuss Teambuilding training course topics for your business or small group. We are currently no longer offering the “Ropes Challenge” due to campus restrictions. However, we look forward to providing valuable team building training options to support change management, workplace learning styles, continuous improvement and other exciting topics relevant for the new workplace ‘normal’.

NWACC’s Integrated Design Lab (IDL) offers a physical makerspace that puts design into practice! The lab hosts a variety of community events, such as maker nights, workshops, and classes, where you can learn to design, create and innovate through artistic creativity, design-thinking principles, construction methods, and business practices. Email integrateddesign@nwacc.edu.

Commercial Delivery Training And Truck Driving

NWACC’s CDL program consists of classroom, theory-based instruction, and simulator and behind the wheel training to prepare you for federal and state regulatory and compliance requirements.

Paths offered:

• CDL refresher courses, training and licensing for experienced CDL drivers.
• CDL training to prepare for CDL test and obtain Class A, B or C license for new drivers.
• CDL Upgrades for Class B to Class A License.
• CDL Endorsements- Passenger, School Bus or HazMat.

Note: To be eligible to attend school and obtain a CDL, you will need to have a regular driver’s license and be at least 18 years old. A Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) may be obtained at 18 years of age.

Refresher CDL Courses

NWACC offers three-day and five-day CDL refresher courses for truck drivers needing safety-based and continuing education training or who have previously held a CDL license and re-entering the CDL driver workforce.

Refresher courses include classroom instruction on basic driver safety requirements, in-cab simulation maneuvering, and evaluation and readiness assessments. Course topics include regulations and vehicle mechanics, manual and automatic transmission, and air braking and maneuvering.

This refresher course is for drivers who need to remove restrictions, like an auto-shift or Situational classroom, simulator and behind the wheel- Manual or Automatic Transmission training can be scheduled for 24 or 40 hours (includes testing).

This course will:

• Update and improve your situational driving skills
• Offer personalized instruction
• Offer you current trucking industry information
• Make you proficient in vehicle inspections
• This course meets the needs of students who, in the past or currently, possess a Class A or B CDL and have moderate knowledge or experience in the truck driving industry.
• This refresher course is for drivers who have been away from the industry for a while and need the training to help bridge the gap from when they stopped driving. This course is also great for employers who have employees who are CDL holders but are not utilizing them. Refresher training lasts 40-hours and includes a customized program based on individual driver’s needs.

Class B to Class A Upgrades

NWACC’s Truck Driving Program offers Class B to Class A Upgrade training for experienced drivers. Up to 80 hours of Automatic and Manual Transmission. Classroom held at Bentonville campus with skills traning at APAC Central in Centerton, AR.

Full CDL Truck Driving Program  

NWACC’s Full Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Truck Driving Program offers full training to new, entry-level drivers and includes 160 hours of classroom, theory-based instruction and simulator and in-cab training.

The program includes classroom and hands-on instruction on basic driver safety requirements, in-cab simulation maneuvering, and evaluation and readiness assessments. Course topics include regulations and vehicle mechanics, manual and automatic transmission, and air braking and maneuvering.

NWACC’s Full CDL Truck Driving Program offers training to new, entry-level drivers. It includes 160 hours of classroom, theory-based instruction and simulator and in-cab training.

Program Length: 160 hours

• Classroom - 54 hrs.
• Range - 55 hrs.
• Behind-the-Wheel - 35 hrs.
• Observation - 16 hrs.

Topics Include:

• Classroom, simulator and in-cab instruction
• Regulations and vehicle mechanics
• Manual and automatic transmission
• CDL A and B licensing completion

Division of Workforce & Economic Development