Andrew Parker is the executive director of the Associated Industries of Arkansas Foundation and has led the Be Pro Be Proud Initiative since its launch in 2016. He is also the director of governmental affairs for the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce.
Parker earned his law degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Bowen Law School and a bachelor’s degree in finance from Arkansas State University.
How can Be Pro Be Proud help with Arkansas’ below-average labor force participation rate?
Lack of understanding of, or even a lack of general familiarity with, a career path negatively impacts the prospect that a career path is ever considered. Couple a lack of familiarity of technical careers with a multi-decades-old stereotype that these paths are only for those “not college material,” and a wide range of high-demand, high-value careers is dismissed as barely even options of last resort. Be Pro Be Proud exists to change the perception that technical careers are anything but options of first choice made by those who will be part of the next generation of fortune creators. Changed perceptions open doors to better awareness, increased intention and stronger long-term labor force participation rates.
Be Pro Be Proud started in Arkansas, but there are now affiliates in several other states. Why has the program been modeled elsewhere? And does the Arkansas group have any role in those states’ programs?
We are now operating in six states and will be adding at least two more in 2025. We believe we’re on track to be operating in 10 states by our 10th birthday. Workforce challenges, regardless of population size, exist everywhere and the methods of engagement are working. We are achieving our mission goal of changing perceptions, and there is evidence of short- and long-term success. We built the program to be state-centric so that local leadership buy-in is maximized and we focus on creating economies of scale so expensive elements are centralized and costs shared across all participating states. As new states join, our capacities grow and outcomes improve and we remain focused on working with participating organizations to continuously improve.
What have you found to be the most effective way to get students and young people interested in skilled technical professions?
Providing hands-on/interactive opportunities, going to where students are and demonstrating earning potential and local opportunities.
You’re a former Arkansas Game & Fish commissioner. What is the state’s best wildlife management area or lake?
And what activity is your favorite at that place? High-quality walleye fisheries in Arkansas are one of the best-kept secrets. There’s nothing better (to me) than spearfishing for walleye with my son and close friends on Bull Shoals, Norfork and Greers Ferry lakes.
What are the benefits to businesses that partner with Be Pro Proud?
Nearly universally, young people across the entire educational achievement spectrum are interested in learning more about the technical careers BPBP promotes. Partnering organizations — associations, schools, companies, other organizations similar to ours — are invited to join us at schools and events to share next steps. We’ve created a recruitment portal our partners can access to directly engage young people who’ve expressed a specific career interest. We’ve created the Draft Day series — more than 1,000 seniors will sit for interviews with companies and schools to immediately begin or pursue a technical profession. Registration costs are waived for all partnering organizations. We also work with our partners to elevate long-term success by connecting businesses with education and public service providers equally eager to help produce the next generation of fortune creators.
What skills do students need to compete in the workforce in the next 20 years?
A technical skill set that’s relevant to their interests and aptitudes, grit and acting (if not being) interested. This country’s success has been achieved — and built — by those with technical backgrounds. All professionals — doctors, lawyers, electricians, commercial drivers, builders, machinists — have pursued the education required to obtain skills and develop them until mastered. These are the skills that built this nation’s transit and utility infrastructure, business sectors, industry centers, homes and communities. They are the same skills that will always be needed.
How is this initiative trying to reach out to people — young people or otherwise — who might not be in the labor force and would benefit from workforce training?
Be Pro Be Proud utilizes a mobile workshop to bring these professions directly to target audiences and showcase technical professions. The variety of simulators provides a hands-on approach to learning about key professions, their impact on our state’s workforce, and the opportunity for Arkansas’ residents.
What are the biggest hurdles to expanding Arkansas’ skilled workforce?
Oversimplified, a lack of familiarity with career options and an appreciation for what can be achieved. The American Dream isn’t handed to any of us and we cannot pursue what we do not understand.
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