I Am Northwest Arkansas® Building Futures: How Hands-On Trades Are Shaping Northwest Arkansas Youth
About the Show:
“This event is a bridge between what students think a job might be and an actual informed awareness about what these jobs look like.”
– Joe Rollins, NWA Council
In this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn explores how the Build My Future NWA program is giving students a real taste of working in the skilled trades. Joining him are Joe Rollins, Workforce Development Director at the Northwest Arkansas Council, and Steve Turner, Business Development Manager at Multicraft Contractors. Together, they share how this powerful, hands-on event brings thousands of high school students right to the heart of construction, welding, heavy equipment operation, and much more—long before graduation.
Randy, Joe, and Steve peel back the curtain on the incredible need for skilled tradespeople in Northwest Arkansas. They highlight how Build My Future goes beyond your average career fair by letting students operate equipment, try welding, talk directly with apprentices, and see for themselves the wide variety of careers available. They also tackle big questions—like how parents, educators, and the business community can get involved, and why it’s never too late for adults to enter the trades.
If you care about education, workforce development, or the future of work in Northwest Arkansas, this episode is a can't-miss.
Key Takeaways:
- Hands-On Is Key: Build My Future NWA stands out because students actually get to try out trade skills, not just hear about them.
- Addressing a Regional Need: Northwest Arkansas is growing fast and needs skilled workers for everything from construction and plumbing to digital design in building trades.
- Community Collaboration: Over 30 sponsors and 70+ contractors across trades come together to support this event, making it a true team effort.
- More Than Just Kids: It’s never too late to consider a trade career. Adult learners and those seeking a second career are finding opportunities, too.
- Trades Are Tech-Forward: Today’s skilled trades blend hands-on work with high-tech skills, making these careers smart and future-ready.
- Parents, Teachers, Businesses: Everyone has a role to play in encouraging students and supporting events like Build My Future. All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.
All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.
Important Links and Mentions on the Show*
- Build My Future NWA: www.buildmyfuture-nwa.com
- CareersNWA job board and resources: www.careersnwa.com
- Apprentice Arkansas (nontraditional apprenticeship info): https://arkansasosd.com/apprenticeship/
- Multicraft Contractors (apprenticeship info): https://multi-craft.net/apprenticeship-reimbursement-program/
- ABC Arkansas (Associated Builders and Contractors): https://www.abcark.org/
- Fayetteville Public Library Center for Innovation:
- FindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business Directory
- NWA Council Website
- NWA Council on Instagram
- NWA Council on Facebook
- NWA Council on LinkedIn
- NWA Council on Twitter
- NWA Council Email
This episode is sponsored by*
Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"
Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!"
*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.
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Mentioned in this episode:
Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"
FindItNWA.com
Looking to discover the best local businesses in Northwest Arkansas? 🌟 From cozy cafes to essential services, FindItNWA.com has got you covered. Connect with your local community with just one click and explore something great. Visit finditnwa.com today! #LocalBusiness #CommunitySupport"
ONBoardNWA.com
Looking for your next career move in Northwest Arkansas? Check out ONBoardNWA.com, the hyper-local job board designed to connect job seekers with leading employers in our community. From entry-level positions to executive roles, ONBoardNWA is your one-stop shop for job opportunities right here in NWA. Take the next step in your career and visit ONBoardNWA.com today.