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 CouncilIn 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.comCareersNWA job board and resources: www.careersnwa.comApprentice 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 DirectoryNWA Council WebsiteNWA Council on InstagramNWA Council on FacebookNWA Council on LinkedInNWA Council on TwitterNWA Council Email This episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!" Try ONBoardNWA.com Today! *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.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at [email protected] With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas Mentioned in this episode:Winetopia 2026Winetopia 2026 Date: Friday, October 16th Time: 7-10pm Place: Stonebreaker Hotel on Markham hill Winetopia is Restore Humanity’s biggest annual fundraiser and brings together the very best of Northwest Arkansas (restaurants, artisans, small businesses, and (community members) to support our work. While the event raises essential funds for children in Kenya, its heartbeat is entirely local. There are over 100 local businesses who contribute auction items, regional chefs and beverage makers who showcase their craft, and the hundreds of residents gathering to celebrate community generosity. Winetopia strengthens local partnerships, elevates homegrown talent, and reinforces Northwest Arkansas's identity as a place where global compassion is fueled by local collaboration. Winetopia is a beautiful demonstration of how a united local community can create life-changing impact for children and families worldwide. Winetopia 2026