Little Rock, Arkansas – The City of Little Rock is set to launch its new workforce development initiative this weekend with the first 2025 Career Climb job fair, offering residents a chance to build careers, sharpen job skills, and even walk away with employment offers on the spot.
The event will take place Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hall of Industry at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds, located at 2600 Howard Street. It’s the first of two Career Climb job fairs planned this year and is being rolled out as part of Mayor Frank Scott, Jr.’s ambitious push to bridge the gap between job seekers and employers in Little Rock.
“Career Climb” is more than just a job fair — it’s an entire platform designed to help residents build long-term careers. The program combines coaching, online learning tools, and direct access to local job leads to provide a full-circle approach to employment support.
“Career Climb is about helping Little Rock residents not only find jobs, but grow in their careers,” Mayor Scott said in earlier remarks about the initiative. “We’re creating pathways to better employment and long-term success by meeting people where they are and helping them move forward.”
One of the biggest draws for Saturday’s job fair is the chance for immediate interviews — and potentially, job offers. Many participating employers have committed to being ready to hire on the spot, creating a rare opportunity for attendees to land a position the same day they apply.
The initiative is built around a strong community partnership model, with local businesses taking an active role in shaping the workforce pipeline. Career Climb emphasizes hands-on employer involvement in developing internships, apprenticeships, and long-term job placements that meet the current needs of Little Rock’s economy.
Participants in the program also gain access to LevelAll.com, a free online platform offering personalized career planning tools, as well as one-on-one guidance from workforce development coaches provided through Junior Achievement Coaching. These coaches are matched with participants to help them stay focused, explore new opportunities, and navigate the hiring process.
City leaders believe the new program will provide long-term benefits for both workers and the broader economy. By aligning training and education with real-world job openings, Career Climb aims to strengthen the workforce from the ground up.
The second Career Climb job fair is scheduled for June 5, providing another opportunity for those who may miss this weekend’s event. In the meantime, city officials encourage residents to show up ready, bring their resumes, and take advantage of all the free resources being offered.
With its blend of real-time hiring and long-term support, Career Climb is shaping up to be a promising new chapter in how Little Rock connects its residents with meaningful careers.
