Event features interactive sessions with local employers
Bentonville, Arkansas – April 1, 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 April 1 to introduce juniors and seniors from six local high schools to career pathways in skilled trades. 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 empower students by revealing the wide-ranging, rewarding career paths available in the skilled trades,” said Abby Smith of Heartland Forward. “By connecting them with local employers, we’re giving them the confidence and support they need to build successful futures for themselves and their families. 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 professionals.”
Pottsville 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 six local high schools, including Scranton High School, Charleston High School, Oark High School, Magazine High School, Dover High School and Kingston High School.
They met with representatives from local businesses including Northwest Technical Institute, Kimbel Mechanical Systems and Mooney Electrical.
“If we want the next generation to step into the trades, we have to lead the way,” said Daren Mooney, Owner of Mooney Electrical Services, Inc. “These careers offer unmatched opportunity, and we’re seeing more students recognize that. Supporting this event is an investment in our workforce, our community, and our future.”
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