Caterpillar Inc. has committed up to $3 million in Arkansas to prepare workers for careers in modern manufacturing and industry technician roles.
The Arkansas funding is part of Caterpillar’s 5-year, $100 million Building the Future Workforce Initiative. The initiative focuses on making training more accessible, identifying the skills needed for future jobs and connecting people with career opportunities.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined Caterpillar representatives for the announcement.
“A strong workforce is the key to America’s future. And Caterpillar is stepping up to meet the need,” Sanders said in a social media post announcing the investment.
The company plans to collaborate with the University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College, the Little Rock Regional Chamber and the Academies of Central Arkansas.
The effort is expected to expand hands-on manufacturing pathways for students, increase technical training capacity and strengthen cooperation among employers, schools and community organizations.
Caterpillar Chief Human Resources Officer Christy Pambianchi said every community has the talent needed to build a strong manufacturing workforce. She said the investment will help create training pathways and programs for future manufacturing careers.
Caterpillar currently employs more than 530 people in Arkansas and works with approximately 60 suppliers across the state.
The company’s North Little Rock facility opened in 2010 as a motor grader plant. The facility later expanded to include medium wheel loader and paving products.
The Arkansas commitment marks the 5th allocation from Caterpillar’s Building the Future Workforce Initiative. The company has also launched projects in Indiana, Texas and Illinois, along with an innovation challenge.
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