Skills to Launch

The Innovation Hub was filled with pride, joy, and well-earned celebration as Cohort 12 crossed the finish line of their ten-week journey through the Skills to Launch program. One by one, students stepped forward to receive their certificates, marking not just the completion of a course, but the beginning of a new chapter filled with possibility. Cohort 12 brought together a remarkable group of individuals who showed up every day ready to grow, learn, and support one another. Many arrived unsure of themselves, some juggling long work hours or personal challenges, others looking for a new direction or a first chance to build a career. Over time, we watched their confidence expand, their skills sharpen, and their belief in themselves...

At the heart of every Skills to Launch cohort is a story of courage, growth, and new beginnings - a Ray of Light. For Amanda Ray, a graduate of Cohort 11, that story is one of reinvention. With a background in sales, Amanda came to Skills to Launch ready to learn something completely new: welding. Her curiosity, determination, and steady leadership stood out early in the program. After completing her training, Amanda was able to combine her communication skills and newfound technical knowledge to secure a position with Airgas, launching a career that merges her past experience with her new passion for the trades. Amanda’s impact continues to ripple outward. She recently returned to The Innovation Hub to speak with Cohort...

When it comes to HVAC and facility operations, there’s no better classroom than the real world. Our Skills to Launch HVAC students recently had the opportunity to step behind the scenes at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock for an incredible industry tour led by Jake White and Mike Wallis. From the moment our students arrived, early, eager, and full of curiosity, they were immersed in the inner workings of one of the most complex systems in Central Arkansas. Together, we navigated massive condensers, state-of-the-art electronic controls, and HVAC units on a scale that’s almost unimaginable. Jake and Mike graciously shared their time and expertise, answering every question with patience and insight. They also introduced our students to Jay...

Our STL students recently attended the Women’s Leadership Network: Boss Moves in a Man’s World event at Riggs Cat in Little Rock. They asked every question of the night, showing just how ready they are to step into leadership roles in industries where women are underrepresented. We are proud of their courage and grateful to the Women’s Leadership Network and Riggs Cat for creating spaces where women can thrive.

The Skills to Launch Program is proud to welcome 25 new participants into Cohort 12, officially beginning their ten-week journey toward life-changing careers in the skilled trades. The energy was contagious as students gathered for Orientation, met instructors, connected with classmates, and took their first steps toward new opportunities over the past couple of weeks. The highlight was completing OSHA Safety Training and proudly holding up their new OSHA-certified cards. These cards represent more than just compliance; they are the first credential on the path to long-term success in industries such as HVAC, industrial operations, welding, construction, and solar installation. Every student’s journey is unique, but all share the same drive: to build brighter futures for themselves, their families, and their communities. Seeing...

CAREER SEEKERS! We are now taking applications for the free 10-week Skills to Launch training program for individuals interested in becoming machinists, welders, and HVAC technicians! If you love diving into machinery, motors, and pulley systems to learn how they operate, tick, and move, then a career in Industrial Operations, HVAC, and Production Welding may be for you! The 10-week training program is offered on full scholarship and fully paid for by generous funders who want to see you succeed! What are you waiting for? Don't miss out on YOUR opportunity! Apply by July 25th at: hub.nlrlibrary.org/pages/skills-to-launch North Little Rock Public Library System's Innovation Hub 204 E. 4th St., North Little Rock

We’re thrilled to share some incredible news from Cohort 11 of Skills to Launch—six of our graduates have already received job offers!  Please join us in congratulating: Tiffany Niehaus – Luck Be a Lady Rentals & Repairs Eric Wilson – Middleton Heat & Air Daveon Ragins – Middleton Heat & Air Corben Hutchison – Plastic Ingenuity Antwoine Hudson – Tru-Fab Jimmy Barajas – Tyson Foods For most, this marks the beginning of a new and exciting career path. For some, it’s an upward step within their current organization—a door opening to a new direction, greater responsibility, and well-earned advancement.  Whether you’re just getting started or starting over, this journey proves that growth and purpose are always within reach.  Interested in...

As we celebrate the graduation of Cohort 11 of the Skills to Launch program, we pause to reflect on something deeply important: this life-changing opportunity would not be possible without the unwavering generosity of our funders and community partners. Because of you, this program remains completely free of charge for individuals who are working hard to transform their lives, build new futures, and launch meaningful careers. Your belief in this mission ripples outward - into homes, workplaces, and communities. From all of us at The North Little Rock Public Library System’s Innovation Hub, and from every student who has walked through our doors with hope in their hearts: thank you. Long-Term Funders Who Make This Work Possible: Arkansas Office of...

Where Are They Now? Louis Shepherd, Cohort 8 Imagine our surprise - and delight - when we heard a familiar voice at the front desk… It was Louis Shepherd, a Skills to Launch graduate from two years ago, dropping by to say hello and share how far he’s come.  At graduation, Louis accepted an offer to become Assistant Chief Engineer at The Capital Hotel - and we cheered him on with pride. Since then, life has continued to grow and change. Louis now holds the position of Chief Engineer at Courtyard Marriott, where he brings not only technical skills, but also empathy, professionalism, and heart to his work every day. When asked about his favorite part of the job, he...