As you travel throughout The Natural State, it’s hard to miss the large amount of new construction that’s taking place. People throughout the country are quickly learning what most of us have known all our lives: this is a great place to live and work. People are relocating here in record numbers to take advantage of job opportunities, a great climate, great food, and lots of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Those people all need places to live and places to shop, and the demand for carpenters is continuing to grow. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment of carpenters is projected to grow 8 percent from 2016 to 2026, and the median annual wage for carpenters was $46,590 in May 2018 (bls.gov).

If you’re interested in a career in carpentry, The Arkansas Construction Education Foundation is here to help! We were established in 1994 to meet the ever growing demand for skilled tradespersons, and we offer apprenticeships in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, electronics, and HVAC. Our carpentry training program is a 2- to 4-year competency-based program, that teaches apprentices all aspects of carpentry, from cabinet fabrication to advanced roof systems. We operate multiple training centers throughout Arkansas, and your carpentry apprenticeship will involve a combination of rigorous classroom instruction and field experience, all led by the most skilled and experienced professionals that Arkansas has to offer.

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. The innovative NCCER curriculum is designed to test students on their actual skills, and not what they are able to memorize. The curriculum was created with non-traditional learners in mind, and designed for success.

Once you’ve completed your apprenticeship, you’ll be granted a “release to test” to sit for the journeyman carpenter’s exam. We also provide job placement services after graduation, but many of our graduates are offered jobs by the companies where they completed their apprenticeships. Our graduates are always in demand, because they have such a great work ethic, and are prepared for success starting with their first day on the job!

For more information on carpentry apprenticeships, or any of our programs at ACEF, contact us online or at (501) 372-1590.