Event features interactive sessions with local employers
Bentonville, Arkansas – March 31, 2026 – Heartland Forward, a nonprofit policy think-and-do tank focused on accelerating economic growth across the middle of the country, hosted a Demo Day on March 31 to introduce juniors and seniors from six local high schools to career pathways in skilled workforce. The event connected students with local employers through hands-on, interactive sessions in plumbing, electrical, HVAC and welding. Demo Day is part of Heartland Forward’s broader effort to strengthen the skilled workforce by creating clear, local pathways from high school to careers through collaboration among students, educators, employers and communities.
“Demo Days are all about building confidence for our students, showing them that they have many options for a fulfilling career in the skilled trades as well as what it takes to go down that path,” said Abby Smith, Heartland Forward’s manager of strategic economic partnerships. “Students can make the best decisions for themselves and their families with confidence that comes from access to a range of options and the support in defining that path. We are grateful to the local employers who came out to meet our students, many of whom we know are part of the next generation of skilled trades professionals.”
Harrison Demo Day participants rotated through four stations of vendor sessions, meeting with local skilled trades leaders to learn about their work, ask questions and understand the requirements to begin a career in those fields.
“Demo Days are all about building confidence for our students, showing them they have strong options in the skilled trades, and giving them a clear picture of what it takes to pursue that path,” said Cody Waits, Executive Director, Arkansas Workforce Connections. “When they can see those opportunities up close and get the right support, they are in a much better position to make decisions that work for them and their families. We appreciate the local employers who took the time to show up and connect with these students, many of whom we know are part of the next generation of skilled trades professionals.”
Attending students represented nine local high schools, including Lead Hill High School, Deer K-12 School, Mt. Judea K-12 School, Ozark Mountain High School, Mammoth Spring High School, Green Forest High School, Jasper High School, Marshall High School and Huntsville High School.
They met with representatives from local businesses Northwest Technical Institute (NWTI), Kimbel Mechanical Systems, Villines Electric, Curtis Heating and Air and Robinette Metal Works.
“We can’t expect young people to choose careers they’ve never had a chance to see,” said Jackson Villines, Owner at Villines Electric Company. “We need more students choosing high-demand, skilled careers and partnerships with more schools helping show the way. The trades offer real careers with good pay, room to grow and a chance to stay in your own community. I’m glad to support this event because it connects students with local businesses like ours that need skilled workers. That’s a win for students, schools and our local economy.”
Through its skilled workforce initiatives, Heartland Forward partners with communities, policymakers, educators and employers to align efforts into practical, employer-driven pathways that reflect local workforce demand and create clear on-ramps to essential careers. By prioritizing hands-on learning, local ownership and direct engagement between education and industry, the organization helps students understand the opportunities in their communities and how to access them.
Click here to learn more about Heartland Forward’s work supporting skilled workforce.
About Heartland Forward
Heartland Forward is a non-profit, policy think-and-do tank that turns ideas into action for states and local communities. Our mission is to accelerate economic growth, change the narrative about the middle of the country and generate $500 million of economic impact to the heartland by 2030. We do this through applied research, community-driven programs, policy and convenings—focusing on regional competitiveness, talent pipeline and health and wellness.
Contact:
J.T. Geren, VP of Communications
jtgeren@heartlandforward.com