Nonprofits collaborate to close skilled labor gap in NWA

Nonprofits Business and Industry Training (BIT) and Goodwill Industries of Arkansas have reached an agreement expected to increase student access to skills trades training in Northwest Arkansas.

With offices in Springdale and Gentry, BIT will refer students and industry companies to the Goodwill Training and Education Center in Springdale for those interested in training at its trade school, The Academy. Training offered includes welding, construction, carpentry, industrial truck operator and Occupational Safety and Health Administration certifications.

BIT also will refer students needing a high school diploma to The Excel Center, the state’s only high school for those who are at least 19 wanting to earn a high school diploma. The Excel Center and The Academy are located at the Goodwill Training and Education Center.

Goodwill Industries of Arkansas will refer students to BIT for training The Academy doesn’t offer, such as electrical systems, motor controls, mechanical drives, robotics, computer numerical control, thermal process controls, programmable logic controllers and electrical wiring.

“We are thrilled to have this partnership with BIT,” said Edie Stewart, senior vice president and chief mission officer for Goodwill Industries of Arkansas. “One of GIAs priorities is to provide Arkansans with the skills and training needed to enter the workforce as soon as possible. Our complementary partnership with BIT helps us achieve our goals and fill the gaps in the workforce needed by local industry.”

“Success is found when talent and technical providers work together,” said BIT Director Julie McAllaster. “BIT is excited about this partnership with GTEC to provide trained individuals that the Northwest Arkansas workforce desperately needs.”

BIT has eight employees and has provided short-term skills training since 1996. Goodwill Training and Education Center in Springdale has 14 staff and opened in July 2023.