Students posing for a photo at the NWA Build My Future event

Springdale High School and Don Tyson School of Innovation students attended the inaugural NWA Build My Future event Wednesday, April 13 at the Jones Center in Springdale.

Event sponsors included Nabholz, Crossland, Multi-Craft, ABC Arkansas, the Office of Skills Development, Kimbel Mechanical, Flintco, Baldwin & Shell, AR Apprenticeship, Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. and Clark Contractors.

Students worked in teams to build the pictured bench with Nabholtz, bend metal and work on plumbing and electrical projects on site. Industry representatives shared internship and work opportunities with students and teachers.

The trades represented at the event provide many job opportunities for 18-year-old students. Benefits include paid training, scholarships for advanced learning opportunities, medical benefits and hourly wages from $15-18.

Springdale students have the opportunity to gain certifications in OSHA 10, OSHA 30, NCCER Core and NCCER Construction free of charge at any high school through the trades classes. Students who obtain these certifications in high school will increase their starting wage.