There’s a lot of talk about high tech jobs, and what a great opportunity that it can be to get in on the ground floor of a new startup. What they don’t tell you is how little job security that their employees have at new companies. As demand for a product or service matures, and the shareholder value declines, layoffs are one of the first steps that companies take to stay alive.

On the other hand, the skilled trades are practically recession-proof, and will be for many decades to come. Skilled plumbers are always in demand, and can command a premium for their services. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Plumbers earn a median annual salary of $52,590, and Employment is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations between 2016 and 2026 (bls.gov). And if you’re looking for a plumbing apprenticeship, our team at the Arkansas Construction Education Foundation is always a phone call away! We’re always looking for career-minded self-starters that like to work with both their head and their hands, and our mission is to address the constantly growing need for trades-persons.

All of our apprenticeship courses are certified by the U.S. Department of Labor, recognized by the Arkansas Department of Career Education, and accredited by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). The NCCER curriculum is designed to set up non-traditional learners for success through a combination of knowledge-based exams and a “hands-on” performance evaluation. Our plumbing programs are four-year programs consisting of 640 hours of classroom instruction and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. Upon completion of the program, you’ll be granted a “release to test,” and can submit an application to sit for the journeyman plumber’s exam.

Since 1994, ACEF has provided quality training to produce a safe, competent and professional workforce for contractors. We also offer apprenticeships in several other skilled trades, including electrical, carpentry, and HVAC repair.

For more information on plumbing training, or any of our programs, call us today at (501) 372-1590, or contact us online.