Title: Bentonville High School Opens Crossland Construction Lab to Foster Industry Careers
Bentonville High School has launched a new construction workspace to connect students with job opportunities in the growing construction industry, thanks to a generous $48,000 equipment donation from Crossland Construction Co. This initiative aims to introduce high school students to various career paths in construction at a time when worker shortages are becoming more pronounced.
The state’s investment of nearly $500,000 also revitalized other career education spaces at the school, emphasizing a commitment to technical education. The new Crossland Construction Lab will initially serve 90 students, with capacity to accommodate up to 240, featuring advanced tools like woodworking and cutting equipment, pneumatic tools, and safety features.
Melinda Bunyard, director of career and technical education at Bentonville Schools, collaborated on the lab’s development with Chris Schnurbusch, southeast region president for Crossland Construction. Together, they aim to build a direct connection between classroom education and real-world industry experience.
Schnurbusch emphasized the importance of this lab, recalling his own challenging decision to enter the construction field without sufficient information. The program’s goal is to provide students with comprehensive knowledge about the construction industry, including hands-on experience with tools and techniques used in the field.
Additionally, students are expected to benefit not just from technical skills but also from potential mentorships and internships facilitated by Crossland Construction. This initiative is crucial as the demand for skilled labor in Northwest Arkansas continues to rise, with predictions of ongoing job openings in the sector.
Bentonville Schools Superintendent Dr. Debbie Jones endorsed the program, highlighting its role in equipping students with practical skills essential for supporting their families. Senior Mason Burnett voiced his excitement for the new lab and expressed a keen interest in pursuing a career in construction or real estate.
Beyond Bentonville, Crossland maintains similar partnerships with schools in Oklahoma and Kansas, indicating a broader commitment to fostering workforce development in the construction sector. As the industry continues evolving, these initiatives aim to ensure that local students are well-prepared to step into meaningful careers.
