On Thursday evening graduates and instructors, past and present, gathered to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Nabholz University, Arkansas’s first Department of Labor approved in-house carpentry apprenticeship program, operated by Nabholz Construction Services. The evening’s events included a panel discussion with guest speakers Charles Nabholz, Bob Tyler, Gary Strack, Mark Seiter, Kenny Nahlen, Karen McNutt and moderator Brad Hegeman.

This milestone comes at a time when the construction industry faces a shortage of skilled labor, and the insights shared by the panelists demonstrated the great value of carpentry apprenticeship programs like Nabholz University. Since its establishment in 1973, the program has produced more than 160 journeyman carpenters, many of whom have gone on to become superintendents, project managers, and even upper management.

One of those graduates, Superintendent Kenny Nahlen explained, “Nabholz University gave me the knowledge to elevate my career from laborer, to apprentice carpenter, to carpenter, and eventually to project superintendent. This program set me apart from others and gave me the opportunity to advance my career.” He added, “When Nabholz needed me to take on more of a leadership position, they knew that with my completion of the program, I had learned the skills I would need to be successful. After 21 years with the company, I still draw from the knowledge I learned from the program every day.”

If you would like more information about enrolling in Nabholz University, please contact Tina Davis at 501-505-5848.