Boozman tours the Carpenter Local 1836/Millwrights Local 216 Training Center.

RUSSELLVILLE, AR — As a labor shortage grips the nation and impedes economic growth, U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) is highlighting how Natural State educational programs are working to close the gap. On Tuesday, Boozman visited the Arkansas/Oklahoma Carpenters Training Center and learned how its programs will help address the lack of skilled labor and enable local workers to fill in-demand jobs.

“Everywhere I go in Arkansas, job creators tell me their workforce needs reinforcements,” Boozman said. “Homebuilders especially require well-trained craftsmen to help construct homes and businesses in the pipeline, and this training resource will undoubtedly help solve that challenge. That’s good news for our state’s economy and the workers who will gain technical skills to help them build stable, successful careers.”

“Thank you to Arkansas U.S. Senator Boozman for visiting our new 35,000 square foot, 6.5-million-dollar training facility. This facility will train, over the next years, thousands of young men and women who choose the career path of a Union Carpenter or Millwright. It will also be used to enhance the skills of existing members,” said United Brotherhood of Carpenters Vice President Dennis Donahou.

Construction on the facility is nearly complete. It will immediately serve 141 millwright apprentices and 109 carpenter apprentices already in the program, and officials will also work to attract students and military veterans to pursue the hands-on education opportunities it provides.

Boozman has consistently championed and promoted Arkansas programs that prepare candidates for highly skilled, well-paying jobs, as well as federal initiatives that provide support and funding for technical skills and applied sciences training. The senator has recently met with homebuilders in the River Valley and Central Arkansas who shared one of their leading challenges in their industry is a shortage of labor.