The Bentonville School District opened the Crossland Construction Lab at Bentonville High School Tuesday, aiming to train up to 240 students annually in construction trades. The new facility marks a significant expansion of the district’s career and technical education (CTE) offerings, designed to introduce students to hands-on skills and real-world opportunities in skilled trades.
Chris Schnurbusch, president of Crossland Construction’s southeast division and a key partner in the project, reflected on how little information he had about construction when starting his career. “I think about that, and I think, wow, it’s kind of a big decision to make with very little information,” he said at the lab’s opening event. Schnurbusch hopes the partnership and facility will give students a clearer understanding and direct experience to build their career paths more confidently.
Located on the Bentonville High School campus, the Crossland Construction Lab features state-of-the-art tools and equipment that mimic real construction sites. The goal is to provide a safe, supervised environment where students can learn foundational skills such as framing, drywall installation, roofing, and basic cabinetry. The space also includes classrooms to cover theory, safety, and industry standards.
The district has partnered with Crossland Construction, a major regional builder, to develop curriculum and mentorship opportunities. Crossland’s involvement gives the program access to current industry best practices and potential pathways to apprenticeships and employment upon graduation. This collaboration reflects a broader local effort to address skilled labor shortages in Northwest Arkansas.
“We want our students to have access to careers that don’t necessarily require a four-year degree, but still offer good wages and stability,” said a district spokesperson. The construction lab is one of several new CTE expansions aimed at broadening pathways for students who may prefer hands-on work or want to enter the workforce directly after high school.
About 240 students annually are expected to rotate through the lab’s courses, which will be incorporated into the regular curriculum as elective CTE classes. Bentonville High School administrators are coordinating with counselors to ensure students across all grade levels learn about the program and have access to sign up. There are also plans to develop dual-credit opportunities for college-level certificates related to construction trades.
Mason Burnett, a Bentonville High student who spoke at the opening, shared his excitement about gaining practical experience. “Getting to use the tools and try out what it’s really like to build something makes me more confident in what I want to do after high school,” Burnett said. His remarks highlight how the lab creates tangible learning moments that textbooks alone can’t replicate.
The launch coincides with swelling demand in local and regional construction industries, driven by continued population growth and commercial development in Benton County and the surrounding Northwest Arkansas region. Industry leaders emphasize the importance of equipping a new generation with skills to meet this demand and support the local economy.
In addition to hands-on training, the program emphasizes safety standards and professionalism, preparing students for both work environments and further education if they choose to pursue apprenticeships or trade certifications. The district has plans to track graduate outcomes and deepen ties with contractors to foster employment pipelines.
The Crossland Construction Lab stands as a tangible investment in the community’s economic future, valuing skilled trades as a viable and respected career path for young people. As Bentonville and NWA continue to grow, programs like this will play a critical role in shaping workforce opportunities and addressing local labor needs.
This initiative complements other Bentonville School District efforts in career and technical education, reinforcing the district’s commitment to diverse pathways for student success. With the addition of this construction-focused facility, the district strengthens its role in preparing students not just academically but practically for life beyond high school.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
