A Bentonville-based organization focused on veteran training has entered a new partnership with a company specializing in data center operations to equip veterans with skills necessary for digital infrastructure careers in Northwest Arkansas.
Matt Hesse, founder and CEO of University of Health & Performance, presented the initiative during a Benton County Planning Board meeting on June 17. The program tailors its curriculum to prepare veterans to become professionals managing the complex lifecycle of data centers—from installation to maintenance and eventual decommissioning.
The partnership aims to address the growing demand for skilled workers in the digital infrastructure sector. As data centers expand across the region, the need for experts who understand the technical, operational, and physical aspects of these facilities has become critical. Veterans bring a unique set of skills such as discipline, adaptability, and technical experience that the program will build upon.
University of Health & Performance, already active in providing training tailored for veterans, is taking advantage of this collaboration to offer specialized courses. By combining hands-on instruction with industry-aligned certifications, the program creates a pathway for veterans to transition smoothly into technology-focused roles in the local economy.
While data center operations may not be a common post-military career choice, the sector is rapidly growing across Northwest Arkansas and beyond, powered by increased demand for cloud services and digital storage. By preparing veterans for these roles, the partnership responds to both the community’s workforce needs and veterans’ search for meaningful employment opportunities.
The program is designed with flexibility to accommodate different service backgrounds and skill levels. Veterans can expect training that covers digital infrastructure essentials such as cabling, power systems, hardware installation, cooling, and security protocols—areas vital to maintaining the uptime and reliability of data centers.
Local economic analysts have noted that this initiative could serve as a model for integrating veterans into tech industries that are sometimes overlooked as career options after military service. Given Bentonville’s position as a regional tech hub—anchored by Walmart and other innovators—investment in digital infrastructure talent is seen as critical for sustaining growth.
As efforts to diversify and strengthen Northwest Arkansas’ economy continue, workforce development programs like this one demonstrate the potential for partnerships to leverage the region’s existing strengths. Veterans who complete the training will join a growing pool of qualified professionals needed to support the region’s expanding technological footprint.
This development follows other recent local investments in education and workforce training aimed at connecting residents with emerging employment sectors. For example, Crystal Bridges recently opened applications for the Tyson Scholars for American Art, highlighting a broader community commitment to accessible and diverse educational opportunities in the region.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
