Whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time, or changing careers, making an informed decision is challenging. Most high schools struggle to prepare their students to enter the workforce, and focus instead on encouraging them to get more education at a four year university. Unfortunately, a conventional college education isn’t a good fit for everyone, and careers in the skilled trades are experiencing unprecedented growth. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov), plumbers currently earn a median income of $53,910 per year, and job opportunities are expected to grow by 16% through 2026, much faster than the average for other careers.

If you’re interested in a plumbing apprenticeship, or any of the skilled trades, the Arkansas Construction Education Foundation should be your first call. We’ve been in operation since 1994, and our mission is to train a workforce for a rewarding career in the skilled trades. There’s so much residential and commercial construction taking place throughout Arkansas, with thousands of unfilled jobs. Our mission is to produce a safe, competent, and professional workforce, and we’re proud to offer top quality plumbing training for career-driven self-starters who like working with both their heads and their hands.

Our plumbing apprenticeship program is a four-year program consisting of 640 hours of classroom instruction and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. Once your training is complete, you’ll be granted a “release to test,” and can submit an application to sit for the journeyman plumber’s exam. All of our apprenticeships are certified by the U.S. Department of Labor, and accredited by the National Center for Construction Education and Research. Our plumbing programs utilize the innovative NCCER curriculum, which is designed for success with unconventional learners, and you’ll be evaluated on what you’ve learned, and not simply what you can memorize. We operate numerous state-of-the-art training facilities throughout Arkansas, and our apprentices are mentored by Arkansas’ most talented and experienced craftsmen and craftswomen.

We also offer programs in Electrical, Carpentry, HVAC, Electronic Systems Technology, Building Maintenance, and Industrial Maintenance, and will work with you to find the program that’s the best fit. For more information on plumbing apprenticeships, or any of our programs at ACEF, contact us online or at (501) 372-1590.