Banking on a New Career

New businesses are popping up all over Northwest Arkansas, and banks are no different. We`ve seen so many of those -- with more on the way -- that a local college has decided to create a program to help staff those banks. KNWA`s Alexa Hamblin has the details. Northwest Arkansas Community College has developed a new banking program that will be mutually-beneficial to local banks and those looking to start a career in banking. Rebecca Elliott, program developer for NWACC explains the demand for the program, "Late last summer it was brought to our attention that there are 20-25 banks coming into Northwest Arkansas, and they need resources, they need trained people." That`s why NWACC and several area banks partnered together to meet those needs, with a new college program called "Banking Career Preparation." "We collaborated on content, we also needed their financial help to get started, so they helped us financially," says Elliott. In return for their financial and moral support, the banks can expect to see a well-qualified pool of graduates come March. Bob Boehmler, Executive Vice President for Arvest Bank in Bentonville, says, "Having some educational background always helps when we have those people waiting on our customers day in and day out." Anyone who meets some general reading and math requirements can enroll, and enrollment is going on right now. Students can expect to learn the ins and outs of various positions within the banking industry. "We provide an opportunity for people to get some training, and they can get into the industry ahead of someone off the streets trying to get into the banking industry." At the end of the semester, students and bank employees will meet at a job fair, where banks expect to find what they`re looking for to help them fill positions as they expand across Northwest Arkansas. Orientation begins February 9th. Classes for "Banking Career Peparation" begin the 16th. Alexa Hamblin for KNWA... Northwest Arkansas news.