Building Arkansas’ future through partnership

Across Arkansas, there’s a growing recognition — among industry, educators and state leaders — that solving the skilled labor shortage takes more than conversation and good intentions. It takes action. At Nabholz, we see that momentum firsthand, as employers, schools, associations and policymakers work together to build stronger pathways from the classroom to the job site.

One recent example is the SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference in Hot Springs. This event brought together hundreds of students from across the state who are developing skills in welding, diesel technology, HVAC, carpentry and more. These students aren’t just learning — they’re proving they’re ready to work. And in many cases, they’re connecting directly with employers who are ready to hire.

SkillsUSA succeeds because it’s built on the kind of partnerships that bring together students, teachers and industry professionals in meaningful ways. Organizations like the Associated General Contractors of Arkansas (AGC Arkansas), lead sponsor of the SkillsUSA Conference, play a critical role in making that possible. Their support goes beyond sponsorship. It’s about staying involved in programs that ensure the long-term strength of our workforce.

For companies like ours, this kind of involvement isn’t just a service to the industry — it’s a smart investment in the future. Engaging with students early helps them understand what a modern job in construction looks like. It helps them see the career potential, the pathways for advancement, and the value of their skills. That connection can be the difference between a student leaving the state for opportunity — or building their future right here in Arkansas.

That kind of involvement is increasingly important. According to the National Center for Construction Education and Research, 41% of the current construction workforce is expected to retire by 2031. Meanwhile, nearly 80% of contractors nationally are already reporting challenges filling craft positions. Those numbers make it clear: we can’t afford to treat workforce development as someone else’s job.

As noted in the 2024 AGC National Workforce Summit, “Workforce shortages are so profound that no single entity can solve the issue alone.”

The urgency is real. The solution is partnership.

And in Arkansas, we’re seeing that solution take shape. SkillsUSA is just one piece of a broader effort. Employers are building relationships with schools. State programs like Arkansas ACCESS are giving high school students access to career-focused education and certifications. Apprenticeship models are expanding. Companies — including Nabholz — are showing up in classrooms and communities to help students see what a career in construction can look like.

At Nabholz, we stay engaged in this work because it matters — not just to our company, but to our clients, our partners and our state. Investing time and resources into workforce development is how we ensure we have the people and skills needed to build what’s next.
There’s no quick fix. Developing a strong workforce takes time, consistency and alignment across sectors. When we focus on what works — connection, mentorship, hands-on experience — we start to close the gap between potential and opportunity.

Arkansas has the foundation: strong industry support, engaged educators and committed public leadership. What comes next won’t happen overnight, but with continued collaboration, clear priorities and a focus on opening real pathways for students, we can make lasting progress — for our workforce, our communities, and the future of our state.

Editor’s note: Tracy Chambers is vice president of production for Nabholz Construction. The opinions expressed are those of the author.