North Little Rock Public Library System is the first public library in Arkansas to offer free virtual job skills development opportunities through the Transfr Virtual Training Facility. Thanks to a $10,000 grant from Union Pacific, Laman Library invites community members to explore and develop skills under the guidance of a digital coach in several educational programs, including medical, manufacturing, construction, culinary, automotive, hospitality, electrical construction, aviation maintenance, and diesel technology. 

"This is just the sort of innovative service and community commitment we’ve come to expect from the library and appreciate from Union Pacific,” said North Little Rock Mayor Terry Hartwick. “This training will help if you are looking to advance or change careers, which may call for new skills. VR makes it easier to get a variety of hands-on experiences, especially with heavy machinery, electrical, and construction, in a safe environment." 

For nearly 160 years, Union Pacific has been committed to helping local communities. Their Community Ties Giving Program prioritizes funding for building foundational skills and offering resources that help the existing workforce reach the next level of their careers.  

"We're excited to offer free workforce skills development and career exploration to students and everyone else seeking to expand their skills," said Crystal Gates, executive director of North Little Rock Public Library System. "We certainly appreciate Union Pacific's support in providing this virtual reality training." 

 More than 27,393 Arkansans have participated in Transfr’s VR career exploration program since September 2021, according to Transfr. In the past year, 1,749 trainees have mastered over 6,770 skills in simulations. Many of those learners were high school and community college students using the Virtual Training Facility for career exploration, precision measurement training, safety skills training, and classroom learning. 
 
"We are especially pleased to assist entrepreneurs, small businesses, and community members who want to learn more, but for whatever reason, are unable to attend a formal certification program at this time," Gates said. 

Visit the Tech Hub on the second floor of the William F. Laman Library for more information and to try the Transfr VR training headsets. Call 501-758-1720 and ask for the Tech Hub.