BLUEPRINT | 2021

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TECH CAREERS IN THE WORLD OF INDUSTRY AND MANUFACTURING

PLUS!

UNION APPRENTICESHIPS TRAINING PROGRAMS ADVICE FROM PEERS AND PROS SPONSORED BY

CENTRAL ARKANSAS BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION TRADES COUNCIL

2021

When you enter one of the union apprenticeship programs below, you get paid while you learn a skill that will deliver a solid income for the rest of your life. Secure your future and your place as a respected member of the community through a union apprenticeship program. There is no better teacher than a fellow worker ready to pass on his decades of experience to you. For general information and application contact the Central Arkansas Building and Construction Trades Council at 501-353-2957. For individual union information check websites listed below.

INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF INTERNATIONAL UNION OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS (IBEW) LOCAL ELEVATOR CONSTRUCTORS (IUEC) UNION 295, 15, 16, X, X LOCAL UNION 79

IBEW.org

elevatorcontractors.org

UNITED UNION OF ROOFERS, INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF WATERPROOFERS AND ALLIED BOILERMAKERS, IRON SHIP BUILDERS, WORKERS (UNION ROOFERS) BLACKSMITHS, FORGERS AND HELPERS LOCAL UNION 20 (BOILERMAKERS) LOCAL UNION 69

unionroofers.com

boilermakers.org

OPERATIVE PLASTERERS’ AND CEMENT MASONS’ INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION (OPCMIA) LOCAL UNION 908

UNITED BROTHERHOOD OF CARPENTERS AND JOINERS OF AMERICA (UBC) LOCAL UNION 690 & 1836

OPCMIA.org

carpenters.org

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BRIDGE, STRUCTURAL, ORNAMENTAL AND REINFORCING IRON WORKERS (IW) LOCAL UNION 321

UNITED ASSOCIATION – UNION OF PLUMBERS, FITTERS, WELDERS AND SERVICE TECHS (UA) LOCAL UNION 155

Ironworkers.org

UA.org

INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS (IUOE) LOCAL UNION 382

IUOE.orrg

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HEAT AND FROST INSULATORS AND ALLIED WORKERS (INSULATORS) LOCAL UNION 10

Insulators.org

INTERNATIONAL UNION OF BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS (BAC) LOCAL UNION 5 OK-AR

bacweb.org

UNITED ASSOCIATION OF ROAD SPRINKLER FITTERS LOCAL UNION 669

teamster.org

INTERNATIONAL UNION OF PAINTERS AND ALLIED TRADES (IUPAT) LOCAL UNION 424

IUPAT.org

LABORERS’ INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA (LIUNA) LOCAL UNION 360

LIUNA.org

sprinklerfitters669.org Central Arkansas Building & Construction Trades Council in association with

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SHEET METAL, AIR, RAIL AND TRANSPORTATION WORKERS (SMART) LOCAL UNION 36

MILLWRIGHTS LOCAL UNION 216

southernstatesmillwrights.org

INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF TEAMSTERS (TEAMSTERS) LOCAL UNION 878

nabtu.org/councils/arkansas 501-353-2957

smart-union.org

Looking for more information on other educational and career opportunities in Arkansas?

For over 30 years Arkansas Times has published the College Guide in August and the Nurses Guide in September of every year.

The goal of both of these pubs is to easily break down the educational opportunities in all the four and two year colleges in the state and explain the career and educational opportunities for those considering nursing.

Find the 2020 College and Nurses Guide on line at

arktimes.com/special-publications

Copies of the 2020 guides can be sent upon request. And plans for the 2021 issues will be available in the summer of 2021.

For more information contact Phyllis Britton, phyllis@arktimes.com or call 501.492.3994

IN THIS ISSUE 6 Welcome 8 Under the Radar 12 Skilled careers in growing demand 15 New partnership to bring career and technical coursework online 16 Fund your future 19 Willing to work?

20 Technical Career Information 22 Apprenticeship Guide 23 Arkansas steel 24 Fast Track 28 Unions Provide Training, Opportunity for Members 32 In many skilled fields, the future’s so bright 54 Advice From The Pros THE PROFESSIONS

37 Agri-Timber 38 Allied Health Professions 39 Aviation Technology 40 CAD/CAM Drafter 41 Carpenter 42 CNC Operator

43 Computer Coder/Programmer 44 Diesel Technician 45 Electrician 46 Heavy Equipment Operator 47 HVACR Technician

48 Industrial Maintenance 49 Machinist 50 Plumber 52 Process Technology 53 Welder

Individual job information, descriptions and state job growth and salary projections per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and careeronestop.org, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.

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BLUEPRINT | 2021 | ARKANSAS TIMES

ALAN LEVERITT Publisher alan@arktimes.com EDITORIAL DWAIN HEBDA Editor MANDY KEENER Creative Director mandy@arktimes.com ADVERTISING PHYLLIS A. BRITTON Sales Director phyllis@arktimes.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES BROOKE WALLACE brooke@arktimes.com LEE MAJOR lee@arktimes.com KAITLYN LOONEY kaitlyn@arktimes.com TERRELL JACOB terrell@arktimes.com

PRODUCTION WELDON WILSON Production Manager/Controller ROLAND R. GLADDEN Advertising Traffic Manager GRAPHIC DESIGNERS MIKE SPAIN KATIE HASSELL OFFICE STAFF ROBERT CURFMAN IT Director CHAROLETTE KEY Billing/Collections JACKSON GLADDEN Circulation Director

LITTLE ROCK WATER RECLAMATION AUTHORITY

PROMOTING TECHNICAL CAREER GROWTH Technical careers are a vital part of what we do. We have positions in areas like plumbing, mechanics, instrumentation, laboratory, HVAC and more. Training is available to help our employees improve their skills in these areas and advance their careers. We are strengthening our team to continue protecting our One Water. One Future.

Visit lrwra.com/employment to learn more about our technical careers.

11 CLEARWATER DR. LITTLE ROCK, AR 72204

|

LRWRA.COM

|

501. 376. 2903

BLUEPRINT | 2021 | arktimes.com 5

The coronavirus pandemic may have disrupted every aspect of the business community in 2020 but there’s one thing that hasn’t changed even in the face of this once-in-a-generation happening: Arkansas’s need for skilled labor. In fact, the impact of the coronavirus may have even increased that need as it caused many existing skilled men and women to leave the workforce and enter retirement out of health concerns.

Rebuilding Arkansas’s economy will take bold thinking, investment and, most of all, people who can turn developers’ dreams into reality and bring our factories back to full capacity. Skilled workers will lead this comeback with the kinds of technical and industrial know-how for which America is famous. This means the opportunities for young people and career changers alike are many across all technical fields.

BLUEPRINT was created to showcase the numerous paths by which a person may craft a profitable and satisfying future in the skilled professions, and this year’s issue continues that mission. Within these pages, we provide a look at in-demand, well-paying careers for the taking across The Natural State. From welders and carpenters to allied health workers and computer programmers, we show you the jobs that employers are hungry to fill.

Also in this issue, we break down the skilled professions into various categories, including fastest-growing and highest-paying. We spotlight five major industries here in Arkansas that you may not have known even existed, and we look at the role labor unions play in putting people to work from one end of the state to the other. Finally, we survey the job landscape of the future, to give you a glimpse at the skills most in demand in the years to come.

Arkansas is making progress in addressing its skilled labor shortage as more young people are discovering these rewarding careers, most of which can be trained for in two years or less. We’re proud to be part of this new “industrial revolution” and we hope BLUEPRINT can help start and guide you on a satisfying and important career path.

WORK FORCE

Lea pa Vis

Thanks for checking out BLUEPRINT!

Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions, a division of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, is helping tr workforce training to meet the needs of manufacturers in our state. That’s because new technology and indus Leveritt transforming what a manufacturing job is. Today’s Alan technology-based manufacturing operations require indi Publisher technical and computer programming skills, which means a wider range of job opportunities and better pay Arkansas Times/BLUEPRINT Magazine And for Arkansas, it means the creation locally of a highly-skilled workforce to be reckoned with in the g

ArkansasEDC.com | Mfgsolutions.org | 501-682-1179

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BLUEPRINT | 2021 | ARKANSAS TIMES

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SUBSCRIBE & STAY IN THE LOOP

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Opening August 2021 A dynamic partnership between the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith and Fort Smith Public Schools is bringing cutting-edge technology and career programming to high school students in Arkansas’ River Valley.

Learn more at peakinnovationcenter.org

PROGRAMS

Advanced Manufacturing • Computer Integrated Machining • Electronics Technology • Automation/Robotics Information Technology • Network Engineering Technology • Unmanned Aerial Systems Health Sciences • Practical Nursing • Emergency Medical Responder

WESTERN ARKANSAS TECHNICAL CENTER BLUEPRINT | 2021 | arktimes.com 7

Under the Radar Arkansas industries that may surprise you

A

rkansas is a state rich in natural diversity; within its borders you can find mountains, plains, swamps and forests — all of which roll by your window in less than a day’s drive. The same can be said for the state’s industrial landscape; home to industries large and small. In fact, the range of technical and industrial opportunities is so varied, many people are surprised to learn what opportunities are here for those with the right training.

We’ve spotlighted five of these industries that, though important pieces of the state’s economy, may have fallen under your radar. Be sure to check them out, as they are constantly hiring, providing stable employment and a sound income. Best of all, the skills in demand are often to be had in two years of formal schooling or less, meaning you spend less time piling up debt and more time forging a career.

STEEL INDUSTRY

FIVE ARKANSAS INDUSTRIES THAT MIGHT SURPRISE YOU 1. Steel Industry 2. Defense & Aerospace/ Aviation 3. Food/Food Processing 4. Energy 5. Firearms & Ammunition

Arkansas’s steel industry is arguably the best-kept secret in the state. In fact, it can be said that far more people outside the state (and country) know Arkansas as the steel leader it is than those who live here. A Forbes magazine article from 2019 even called Arkansas’s steel operations “the future of steel production on the planet.”

Headquartered in Northeast Arkansas and now spreading to other areas of the state, Arkansas’s steel industry provides hundreds of jobs in clean manufacturing. Plants’ processes include using advanced technology such as artificial intelligence (AI), demanding a highly-skilled operator. Plus, mills have announced aggressive expansion, promising more high-paying jobs to come in the future.

Unlike the centuries-old Midwestern steel regions of the United States that have been fading since the 1980s, Arkansas’s steel companies are relatively young, technologically advanced and growing fast. The first steel mill in Arkansas came online in Mississippi County just 25 years ago and today employs nearly 5,500 people, a 39 percent increase since 2009, not to mention another 1,200 jobs that directly support or partner with the area’s steel industry. Recent expansion plans announced by the mills will make this small corner of the state the second-largest steel-producing area in the country. What’s more, a smaller, but equally promising collection of steel manufacturers has since come online in Sebastian County in western Arkansas.

Other surprising facts about Arkansas’s steel industry include its green production methods. Arkansas is home to the only LEED certified steel plant in the world, meaning its processes are rigorously certified for environmental friendliness. And, unlike past eras where low wages and dangerous conditions made it difficult for employees to make ends meet, Arkansas’s steel mills pay incredibly well. Forbes reported in 2018 the average production worker at one Mississippi County mill earned $129,000, including bonuses.

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BLUEPRINT | 2021 | ARKANSAS TIMES

SHADENA SCOTT

EDUCATION: Medical Laboratory Technician Program JOB: Student, North Arkansas College, Harrison SNAPSHOT: The small class size and affordability of her two-year college experience were big draws for Scott, who’s found her passion training for a job in the medical lab.

WHAT ARE THE JOB REQUIREMENTS OF A MEDICAL LAB TECHNICIAN? In the MLT program, we test and analyze blood body fluids and tissues. It’s kind of a behind-the-scenes sort of job.

WHAT ARE YOUR LONG-TERM CAREER GOALS? I hope to become a medical lab technician and eventually a medical lab scientist.

DEFENSE & AEROSPACE/AVIATION

Unbeknownst to a lot of people, defense and aerospace/aviation products represent the state’s No. 1 export. Nearly 70 companies from small shops to global defense manufacturers operate here, employing more than 10,000 people in defense and aerospace manufacturing, per the Arkansas Aerospace and Defense Alliance (AADA).

Add to that the Little Rock Air Force Base, which employs another 7,500 personnel (including nearly 1,500 civilians) and you’ve got a major economic force operating all around you.

Just how big? Well, according to the AADA the state exported $1.5 billion in aircraft and aircraft parts in 2017 from defense industry giants Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and General Dynamics down to dozens of small mom-and-mom manufacutring shops producing all kinds of components and parts. The Dassault Falcon Jet facility in Little Rock is the company’s largest manufacutring site worldwide, employing about 1,800 people.

Companies in this sector aren’t just located in the state’s urban areas; in fact, many smaller communities have targeted defense and aerospace within their economic development strategies, with good success. One of the best examples of this is Camden (pop. 11,000), which may be the state’s epicenter for these companies, on a per capita basis. Its 17,000-acre Highland Industrial Park is home to numerous companies in the defense sector, manufacturing parts for various missile and rocket systems, countermeasures, practice munitions and tactical warheads.

To support this industry sector, Arkansas has developed a robust educational system delivering skills in high demand in aviation, aerospace and defense industries.

Aviation-related education programs can be found statewide throughout Arkansas’s community colleges and selected private schools, in most cases preparing students for aviation-specific careers in two years or less. More generalized skilled training, such as industrial maintenance, welding and electrical degrees, are also in very high demand in this manufacturing sector.

HOW HAS ATTENDING A TWO-YEAR SCHOOL BEEN AN ADVANTAGE FOR YOUR EDUCATION? North Ark is amazing. Not only is it affordable, but the class sizes are smaller so you have more one-on-one time and you really feel like you get a great education for the money.

North Ark is really helping me achieve my goals to become a medical lab technician, IS THIS A FIELD AND PROGRAM YOU WOULD RECOMMEND TO OTHERS? The medical field is one of the largest job opportunities out there today. I’d highly recommend North Ark for anybody graduating high school or just looking for a career change.

North Ark is definitely one of the top places to come to to train for this job.

BLUEPRINT | 2021 | arktimes.com 9

FOOD/FOOD PROCESSING

JAY HARDISTER

AGE: 47 EDUCATION: Associate of Arts in Industrial Technology, National Park College, Hot Springs JOB: Control Specialist, Automated Control Solutions SNAPSHOT: After cutting his teeth in the HVAC industry, Hardister decided to go back to school and train for his current role. The result has been better working conditions and benefits.

GROWING UP, DID YOU ALWAYS LIKE TO WORK WITH YOUR HANDS? Electrical was always kind of neat to me. I had a shop teacher back in junior high who taught us a little bit about electrical wiring as far as residential goes with light switches and lights and receptacles. It always kind of intrigued me.

Back in the day we also used to have science fairs in school.

One of my favorite projects I did was discussing a series of parallel circuits. I had a battery and made some tabs to where I could touch both ends of the battery and then run a circuit with a little switch that you push down on. Push it down, make contact, it turns the light bulb on.

WHAT DOES A CONTROL SPECIALIST DO? I build control panels for sawmills. In a previous job, I used to build control panels for water treatment plants and stuff like that, being able to integrate different machines together. Basically go from a piece of metal that’s got a motor on it to actually making it do timing and stuff like that.

WHAT’S YOUR DAY LIKE? Generally I work indoors, but they do send me to mills sometimes for upgrades if there’s too much work for one of our field guys to do. I get sent out on occasion to different states like Alabama, Mississippi. We’ve got jobs pretty much all over the U.S. WHAT SKILLS ARE MOST ESSENTIAL TO YOUR JOB? You’ve got to be able to read blueprints and schematics and be able to take a blueprint and make it onto what we call a backplate into a panel that then controls and works the way that it was designed by the electrical engineers. You have to know how to route electrical and stuff like that, whether it be a three-phase electrical or a 120-volt control tower or a 24-volt control tower.

My degree also covered the mechanical; fundamentals of electricity, PLC, which is programmable logic controllers. Motor starters, pulleys, hydraulics, pneumatic, I wire all that stuff.

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BLUEPRINT | 2021 | ARKANSAS TIMES

The food/food processing industry may come as less of an unknown to most Arkansans given the amount of farmland in the state. But what you might not know is production agriculture is just one part of the state’s food industry, which included 341 food and beverage companies, employing more than 50,000 people in 2017, per the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. In fact, the AEDC reports, 23 of the top 25 food and beverage companies by revenue in the world have manufacturing facilities in Arkansas.

This important sector of the state’s economy is also growing with the food and beverage industry having expanded 13.1 percent between 2015 and 2019.

The sector also launched 79 economic development projects creating 4,270 new jobs in Arkansas.

Skilled workers are in high demand in this industry, from welders and electricians keeping farmers in the field to nearly every specialty you can name at work in processing plants, food manufacturing and logistics companies bringing finished products to market. In addition to industrial mechanics, plumbers and fabricators, many plants require workers with computer skills to oversee systems and allied health workers to provide on-site health care services. And, diesel mechanics are essential for in-house and independent trucking companies to stay on the road, transporting raw materials and finished food goods back and forth.

ENERGY

In a bygone era, Arkansas’s energy industry supported significant production in crude oil and coal. While those sectors have diminished over time, new, renewable energy sources continue to provide exciting opportunities for the future.

Arkansas’s natural gas production serves as an important component of other industries. Per the U.S. Energy Information Administration, roughly 40 percent of Arkansas’s natural gas fuels in-state power plants, which generate about a third of the state’s electricity. Another 30 percent of natural gas is used by various industrial customers. Arkansas also has natural gas storage fields that together can hold nearly 22 billion cubic feet of gas.

In addition to gas power, Arkansas’s electrical generation is fired by coal brought in from other states and by Arkansas One, a dual-reactor nuclear power plant near Russellville. The rest comes from hydroelectric power and biomass-fueled generating facilities, per UAEIA. Nearly one-tenth of all electricity generated in Arkansas in 2019 was provided by renewable resources.

In addition, Arkansas has a small but increasing amount of solar power, which accounted for about 0.6 percent of the state’s electricity generation in 2019, an almost eightfold increase compared to just three years earlier. Arkansas’s largest solar project, an 81-megawatt solar farm with 350,000 solar panels spread over 475 acres, resides near Stuttgart and even larger farms are currently under development. All of these energy sectors require skilled employees in a variety of specialties to run them efficiently, construct new capacity and provide routine and special maintenance.

FIREARMS/AMMUNITION

Another Arkansas growth industry surprising to many people is the manufacture of firearms and ammunition, an industry spread out over the state from Central Arkansas to the Missouri border. In fact, as WalletHub reported in April 2020, the state ranked fifth in the country in economic dependence on the gun industry, jumping two slots from 2019. Further, the 2019 Firearms and Ammunition Industry Impact study by the National Shooting Sports Foundation reported Arkansas had 3,101 jobs directly related to the industry with wages of $127 million, placing it sixth nationally in industry jobs per capita.

Arkansas’s sector includes national and international manufacturers such as Sig Sauer, CZ USA and Walther. Smaller manufacturers include gunmakers Nighthawk Custom, Wilson Combat and Fedarm as well as component producers Thermold magazines and Ballistic Specialties, among others.

While market trends come and go, the gun and ammo industry is currently in an up cycle, meaning Arkansas’s companies are working round-the-clock to meet demand and fill orders. This is good news for people with the right skills, especially in machining, computer-aided design and various mechanical and maintenance jobs that are crucial to keeping manufacturing equipment and systems running in peak condition.

Teaching skills for the jobs of Certified Line Worker Teaching skills for Teaching the jobs of tomorrow. skills for the Program jobs of Certified Line Program Teaching skills forWorker theCertified jobs of tomorrow.

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Entergy Arkansas is proud to partner with fellow electric utilities, contracto launch the certified line worker training program at University of Arkansas

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EDUCATION: Welding certification entergyarkansas.com JOB: Student, North Arkansas College, Harrison learn are thecritical diverse in Arkansas demand lives today and requiredrunning smoothly eve Our linemen to skills keeping and businesses Our Tauber linemenher arefirst critical to keeping Arkansas lives and businesses running smoothly every day. And we SNAPSHOT: A popular television program gave look forward to training the next generation.

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HOW DID YOU GET INSPIRED TO PURSUECall WELDING AS Afor more information or to register for the certified line worker training program.

501.907.6670 Entergy Arkansas is proud to partner with fellow electric utilities, contractors and state workforce groups to PROFESSION? entergyarkansas.com launch the entergyarkansas.com certified line worker training program at University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College.

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I liked seeing the welding that they did on that show. I found it very Our linemen are critical to keeping Arkansas lives and businesses running smoothly every day. And we interesting. look forward to training the next generation. You will learn the diverse skills in demand today and required WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY STUDYING THROUGH YOUR SCHOOL’S WELDING PROGRAM? I’m currently taking classes to get my technical certificate in tungsten inert gas welding. When I complete my classes here, I hope to go out into either the food industry or pipelines to continue my TIG work.

for tomorrow. Together, we power life.

Call 501.907.6670 for more information or to register for the certified line worker training program. entergyarkansas.com

OUTSIDE OF THE INSTRUCTION ITSELF, HOW DID THE COLLEGE HELP YOU GET STARTED? Throughout my junior and senior year of high school, Northark helped me with getting enrolled in their welding classes so I could get the basics of what I needed. From there, I have continued on with my welding education in pursuit of my dream of becoming a welder out in the real world.

WAS THERE AN INTIMIDATION FACTOR BEING A FEMALE IN WELDING CLASSES? When I first started at Northark it was actually kind of tough because I was the only female within the class. But I managed to push through and look through all of that. I just focused on getting a step closer to what I want to be, every day.

A message from Entergy Arkansas, LLC ©2019 Entergy Services, LLC. All R

A message from Entergy Arkansas, LLC ©2019 Entergy Services, All Rights Reserved.

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BLUEPRINT | 2021 | arktimes.com 11

Skilled careers in growing demand by students as well as employers

T

here was a time not so long ago that technical and skilled careers were something people sought as a last resort, under the incorrect belief that such jobs are low-pay, low-skill and headed nowhere.

What a difference a few years make. Thanks to efforts by the state’s small colleges, investment by the state and increased media attention such as BLUEPRINT magazine to set the record straight, technical and skilled careers are enjoying a surge in interest not seen in a generation.

“The students coming to us today aren’t expressing any of the misconceptions that many of us grew up with,” said Dr. Andrea Slaton, director of the Western Arkansas Technical Center in Fort Smith. “They are coming in looking at programs that have a high-touch, high-tech application to them. And they’re coming in with an area of interest and are very well-educated about where they want to go, career wise.”

Nationally, the skilled industries have not yet turned the corner and, truth be told, the shortages in Arkansas are still pretty severe, causing employers to scramble for workers and putting skilled graduates in very high demand. But, as Slaton and others note, more high school and college-age kids are at least willing to consider these career fields, with the support of their families.

“Parents are realizing at this point in time that university tuition cost is extreme and many are seeing the real value of a technical training program,” she said. “Along with that you have unique programs such as here at Western Arkansas Technical Center where we have juniors and seniors from 20 high schools coming to us with the opportunity to earn college credit at no cost. Many of those juniors and seniors leave with enough hours to earn an associate’s degree, needing only their general ed requirements. That cuts their college costs in half.”

Jennifer Lyons, division chair for Business and Technical Programs at National Park College in Hot Springs, said another aspect that’s changing as a result of this value proposition is the

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BLUEPRINT | 2021 | ARKANSAS TIMES

Five Highly In-Demand Careers 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Respiratory Therapist HVACR Plumber Diesel Mechanic Electrician

ADVICE FROM A PRO

“The two most important things that I can think of if I was a student are first, am I going to have a job when I finish this training? The answer to that is yes. And second, is it going to pay well? The answer to that is also yes. And if you have a great work ethic on top of those two things, you are just going to keep moving up and do so quickly. We need those people in those positions. We need students. We can give you the skills that you need to get a job. If you want to put in the hard work, you’ll keep moving up.”

— Jennifer Lyons, Division Chair for Business and Technical Programs National Park College, Hot Springs

attitude that a four-year degree is the be-all when it comes to career fulfillment.

“The message we’re sending students now is different and it’s probably more accurate and more appropriate for them to be successful,” she said. “On the one hand, we can force someone into a four-year degree and they can finish, even though they may they struggle and end up with a lot of debt and end up with a job that doesn’t pay nearly as well.

“Or we can expose them to a recent graduate of their high school who went into a trade program like welding or industrial tech, marine repair, any of that. They can tell them, ‘Hey, this is the path I chose and I’ve been fixing cars for a few years and now I’m making $60,000 a year.’ That’s what students need to hear; these jobs are great and there are options for everyone.”

Lyons said even with this, there are still aspects about skilled careers that surprise people. One is the growing number and success of women in these fields. The other surprising fact is the ease with which even brand-new graduates can find work in their chosen field.

“Placement rates are just so high,” she said. “When you finish, you’re not going to have to worry that you’re not going to be able to find work. If you want to work in the field that you just studied, if it’s a technical program, work will be waiting for you. There are industry partners that are begging for you.”

KASSIE CRAMER

AGE: 28 EDUCATION: Graduate of Diesel Technology program, University of Arkansas-Pulaski Tech JOB: Mechanic, Entergy Arkansas SNAPSHOT: Growing up in her father’s garage, Cramer fell in love with engines. Now she’s keeping Entergy vehicles in top shape and ready for any situation.

HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN MECHANIC WORK? I really like taking things apart and putting them back together. My dad used to own a shop and I’d go work with him. When I was a little bitty kid, like age 4, I remember being underneath cars with him while he fixed them. Since then, I’ve always just worked on them.

HAVE YOU ENCOUNTERED ANY DIFFICULTY BEING A WOMAN IN A MALEDOMINATED FIELD? Occasionally, but it’s not often, though. To be perfectly honest, I was a little nervous at first but I just felt like I could change the way women were perceived in a mechanic’s job.

I just go out and do it and just show everyone that this is not that big of a deal. If you do that, then a lot of guys aren’t pushy about the fact that there’s a woman working in the shop right next to them.

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR TRAINING. I went through Pulaski Tech’s diesel program for two years. I studied diesel engines, I did a little bit of brakes and transmissions that was a part of that program and also took a CDL course to get my CDL license.

WHERE DID YOU GET YOUR START? Before I started at Entergy, I used to be a diesel mechanic at the Cummins dealership in North Little Rock for five years. I worked strictly on Cummins engines and generators.

HOW DO YOU STAY CURRENT WITH NEW ENGINE TECHNOLOGY? DOES THAT REQUIRE GOING BACK TO CLASS OR IS THAT COMPANY-SPONSORED? In the past, my employer would go to a training facility that was within Cummins and they would train us on any new technology that came out. The company paid for everything — your travel, lodging, meals — and they paid you to do that because that was new technology that they needed you to know. They did that fairly regularly before COVID hit.

HAVE YOU HAD OTHER WOMEN ASK YOU ABOUT YOUR CAREER? WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR THEM? Take every automotive class you can, learn everything you can, especially electrical. Electrical is the biggest part of it, really. Most of all, don’t be nervous. I was really nervous coming into it and I quickly learned that the quality of my work is how I prove myself.

That’s proof enough, whether you’re a man or a woman.

BLUEPRINT | 2021 | arktimes.com 13

Five In Demand To one degree or another, every skilled or technical specialty is in demand in Arkansas. But within this landscape, some stand out. Here are five careers showing particular growth potential, which means high wages and a favorable job market for the foreseeable future.

RESPIRATORY THERAPIST

This job assesses, treats and cares for patients with breathing disorders.

They work alongside doctors and nurses for patients suffering from everything from emphysema to COVID-19. As the overall population ages, more people are susceptible to these diseases, which explains why forecasted demand for the specialty is so high.

Education: Associate degree Median Pay: $56,000 Job Growth by 2026: 23% Learn more: University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College, uaptc.edu

HVACR TECHNICIAN

HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration) technicians install and service commercial equipment for office buildings, factories and industrial settings. They are also employed by heating/AC companies to repair residential equipment. In addition to climate control technicians, refrigeration is a key component of many industries, including pharmaceuticals and food processing.

Education: Postsecondary certificate Median Pay: $39,000 Job Growth by 2026: 18% Learn more: Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority, lrwra.com/careers/

PLUMBER

A fundamental skilled career, plumbers enjoy a wide range of employment opportunities, from new construction, to industrial/manufacturing, to sprinkler systems, to a wide range of commercial applications. And, through various apprenticeship programs, this high-demand career can be learned on your employer’s dime.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent, apprenticeship Median Pay: $42,000 Job Growth by 2026: 17% Learn more: UA Local 155 Plumbers & Pipefitters Union, facebook.com/ UA-155-205546816222553/

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DIESEL MECHANIC

The manufacturing world runs on transportation hauling raw materials and finished goods back and forth. What’s more, many pieces of manufacturing and industrial equipment are also powered by diesel engines. This makes the diesel mechanic one of the most valued and sought-after roles out there.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent Median Pay: $39,000 Job Growth by 2026: 12% Learn more: University of Arkansas-Fort Smith (Western Arkansas Technical Center), academics.uafs.edu/watc/watc-home

ELECTRICIAN

Another cornerstone skill with applications in consumer and industrial settings, electricians are the Swiss Army knife of crafts. From office buildings, to factories, to small engines, to utilities, to construction, electricians enjoy high job security, great wages and career flexibility.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent, apprenticeship Median Pay: $44,000 Job Growth by 2026: 11% Learn more: International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, (IBEW) Local 295, Little Rock: www.ibew295.org Local 700, Fort Smith: www.ibew700.com Local 1516, Jonesboro: facebook.com/IBEW-Local-Union-1516-139585811791

O

New partnership to bring career and technical coursework online

fficials from Entergy Arkansas and the Arkansas Department of “Technology has advanced tremendously in the last few years while ArkanEducation will be bringing 20 new Career and Technical Education sas competes every day in recruiting for new and expanding business,” said (CTE) courses to student and adult learners next fall, thanks to a Danny Games, director for Entergy Arkansas Business and Economic Devel$482,000 grant. Entergy Arkansas President and CEO Laura Landreaux and opment. “These companies require an educated and skilled workforce that Arkansas Department of Education Secretary Johnny Key announced the can satisfy their needs and, in turn, provide higher-skilled and higher-paying new initiative in December. jobs. These CTE courses should benefit students and their potential employIn Arkansas, a majority of high school students are enrolled in one or more ers for years to come.”

CTE programs of study, which are designed to prepare them for college and Other CTE courses will be made available over the next two years. The career after graduation. As recent events have illustrated, online coursework State Chamber of Commerce, Arkansas Economic Development Commisis more and more critical to students completing their education safely. sion and Office of Skills Development will provide additional consultation “CTE is essential, as it provides high school students the opportunity to to reflect business and industry needs. build workforce skills that will enhance learning and employability,” Key “In addition to affordable and reliable electricity, we need a good business said. “Fifty-three percent of CTE students earn a median income of $55,000 environment, good transportation and qualified employees to help businesses or higher after graduation and 68 percent of students who complete a CTE grow if we want our state and communities to be successful,” Landreaux said. program of study earn a post-secondary credential. These additional oppor- “To that end, Entergy Arkansas is proud to support these efforts with nearly tunities will expand the workforce pipeline to address critical economic a half-million dollars from the Entergy Charitable Foundation. development needs.”

“I am also glad to announce that a separate portal will be built to make COVID-19 restrictions and safety measures had a direct, adverse effect these CTE courses available to persons already in the workplace who are lookon CTE students, whose training often requires more hands-on instruction. ing to learn new skills and advance their careers. Our message is this: If you Fearing a gap in the number of prepared workers, the state’s Department of missed out on opportunities like this in high school, a little time and energy Education leveraged $300,000 in CARES Act funding to develop a plan for on nights and weekends now can mean more opportunities for advancement online and blended learning with its CTE Playbook, a template for 80 classes and a better-paying job in the future.” in multiple areas such as business and marketing, agriculture technology, The CTE grant is made possible by Entergy Arkansas and the Entergy STEM and welding.

Charitable Foundation as part of $1.13 million Entergy has invested or comThe Entergy grant overlays this work to bring 20 new trade and industry mitted in Arkansas over the past five years to develop the state’s workforce CTE courses to high school students in July 2021. Based on research and and support its customers and communities. The Arkansas grants are part input from Arkansas businesses regarding their workforce needs, online of an overall Entergy initiative to provide $5 million across its four-state CTE coursework in industrial equipment technologies, precision machining, utility service area. machine power and equipment systems, mechanical/plumbing/electrical Learn more about the CTE Playbook and related coursework at dese.ade. systems and metal fabrication are among the 20 courses that will be avail- arkansas.gov/divisions/special-projects/statewide-playbook. able to students for the 2021-22 school year.

BLUEPRINT | 2021 | arktimes.com 15

Fund your future

with steady, high-paying technical careers

O

ne of the most common stereotypes surrounding the skilled professions is that they are low-paying jobs that don’t lead to a career.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Skilled jobs provide an excellent way to make a comfortable living as well as keep more of your money due to lower student loan debt compared to the average four-year college graduate.

Karen Light, human resources administrator for the Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority, rides herd over a range of technical positions.

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HIGH-PAYING TECHNICAL CAREERS 1.

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Radiation Therapist Electric Power Line Technician Computer Occupations Digital Medical Sonographers Millwright

“We’ve got generator people. We’ve got electricians. We’ve got plumbers. We’ve got HVAC people and general carpentry,” she said. “We’ve got a machinist and that’s the dying art right there, machining and tool and die. Those are the things that are really, really hard to find.

“The most entry level we have is going to be utility workers and those are people who work in the field laying pipe and doing that kind of stuff. They are just under $17 an hour with a high school diploma. That’s very, very entry level. From there we go up into our apprentice plumber, which is $18.88 to start. Our electricians and electrical techs and mechanic techs come in at just over $20; our journeyman plumbers at $21.15; our machinists at $25.71. Many of our senior people — master electrician, lead master plumber, the inspectors — are $27.59, to start.”

Light said in addition to what goes home in the pay envelope, the authority offers handsome benefits that are valuable in their own right, from health and wellness, to retirement, to paid time off that accrues from Day One of employment.

“We have an awesome benefits package. I guess altogether we contribute just short of 40 percent of a person’s annual salary in fringe benefits,” she said. “We do health insurance, dental, vision, prescription drugs. We have a fitness reimbursement program. We do a premium holiday if you get your wellness taken care of.

“We also do an educational reimbursement after a year of service, so if someone came to us and they’ve got an associate’s degree and now they want to go into engineering, we would support them in that endeavor as well as any other kind of training. Some of our inspectors, we require them to obtain a plumber’s license within a year and we support them on that, pay for all that stuff and give them the time off to do it.”

Light said job seekers should consider the stability of any job when making their career choice. Like many hands-on careers, jobs at the reclamation authority aren’t going to be outsourced offshore.

“Being a municipal utility, we’re not going anywhere,” she said. “People are going to continue to take showers, wash clothes and dishes.

There’s going to be wastewater that’s going to go through the city of Little Rock that needs to be treated and moved. Our people are essential. They’ve been working all this time through COVID just like normal.”

JEFFREY CANADA

AGE: 22 EDUCATION: Journeyman lineman apprentice program (See: jobs.entergy.com) JOB: Lineman, Entergy Arkansas SNAPSHOT: Following in a family member’s footsteps, the apprentice lineman from Paris, Arkansas, loves the daily challenge and variety of his job.

HOW DID YOU GET INTERESTED IN BECOMING A LINEMAN? I had a family member who was in the utility industry who encouraged me to consider electrical work as a career. A local cooperative hired me and paid for my training at Arkansas State University-Newport. After that, I applied for the Entergy Arkansas program after a couple years in the industry and it really made a huge difference in my family’s financial situation and future.

Entergy is a great company to work for; they put safety rather than production first, and there’s great job security in utilities. Line work was under the radar for me in my small hometown, but these skills are in demand. And a good work ethic and a good attitude will take you far.

WHAT DOES YOUR ENTERGY APPRENTICESHIP INCLUDE? I split my time between in-class instruction on the fundamentals of line work and in the field working closely with a crew. I’ve completed 18 months of the four-year program, after which I will be a certified journeyman lineman.

WHAT SORTS OF THINGS HAVE YOU LEARNED AS PART OF A CREW? Working with the experienced journeyman linemen, I troubleshoot and repair issues with power lines, climb poles when necessary, install new wires above ground and below ground. I also do general maintenance on high-voltage electrical equipment.

There’s a big focus on safety, too, so there’s monthly training sessions and regular safety checks.

Technical training, hazard identification and safe work practices are all pretty common and we emphasis those pretty regularly. One distraction, one mistake can ruin your day and maybe even keep you from going home to your family at night, and we don’t want that to happen.

DO YOU WORK A CERTAIN AREA OR DO YOU GET TO MOVE AROUND? I generally work normal business hours in the Russellville area, but I am also on call round-theclock one week each month for emergencies and service calls. During the hurricane season in 2020, my crew got called away for repairs and restoration of power in South Arkansas. We also helped out Entergy Texas over the season for a few days at a time.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THIS LINE OF WORK? You’re with your crew so much they become like family. It’s dangerous work that we do, but it can be done safely. You really are your brother’s keeper and Entergy takes that seriously. You can’t find that everywhere.

What I love most is that there’s something new every day in this job whether it’s new scenery, situations or challenges. Even when it’s long hours, you’re flat-busted tired and ready to roll on to the house, you can’t beat this job.

BLUEPRINT | 2021 | arktimes.com 17

Five High-Paying Careers

CareerOneStop.org, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, rates the following among the best-paying skilled positions in Arkansas:

RADIATION THERAPIST

TYLER PHILLIPS

EDUCATION: Automation and System Integration program, with manufacturing emphasis JOB: Student, North Arkansas College, Harrison SNAPSHOT: Combining military experience with cutting edge classroom training has Phillips on the path to a lucrative and rewarding career.

WHAT IS YOUR CAREER GOAL?’ What I’m studying here at Northark is to become a manufacturing technician. That job includes working with a lot of automation and manufacturing equipment, such as programming robots and programming CNC mills and lathes.

HOW DID YOU GET INTERESTED IN THIS FIELD? I heard about this program when I was in high school and I came out and got introduced to all the equipment. When I graduated high school, I knew I wanted to go into the Army Reserves, and once I finished my initial training there, I came back here for my two-year degree. I just knew this is what I wanted to do.

HOW HAS YOUR CLASSROOM WORK HELPED YOU PREPARE FOR THE REAL WORLD? My coursework at Northark gave me a lot of hands-on experience with manufacturing equipment that is used in the industry every day.

Through this program, I was also able to get an internship through Pace Industries where I was able to get even more hands-on experience with their manufacturing equipment.

This job provides radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiologist and includes reviewing prescription and diagnosis, acting as liaison with physicians and supportive care personnel and preparing equipment. They typically work in hospitals and specialty clinics.

Education: Associate degree Median Pay: $75,800 Job Growth by 2026: 23% Learn more: National Park College, np.edu

ELECTRIC POWER LINE TECHNICIAN

Technicians install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. May erect poles and light or heavy-duty transmission towers. Dispatched in emergency situations to restore power in the wake of storms or other catastrophic failure.

Education: High school diploma paired with apprenticeship Median Pay: $68,000 Job Growth by 2026: 8% Learn more: Entergy Arkansas, entergy-arkansas.com

COMPUTER OCCUPATIONS

Anything dealing with computers and the digital environment is going to be in demand, be it in today’s market or the workplace of the future. From web administrators to data analytics and occupational health and safety analysts, the future runs on information technology.

Education: High school diploma to associates degree Median Pay: $67,000 Job Growth by 2026: 10% Learn More: Southern Arkansas University Tech, sautech.edu

DIGITAL MEDICAL SONOGRAPHERS

These allied health professionals are key to the accurate diagnosis of patients across a variety of health modalities. Combining high-tech skills with high-touch patient-facing attributes, digital medical sonographers operate equipment that produces ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians.

Education: Associate degree Media Pay: $64,100 Job Growth by 2026: 22% Learn More: University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, uafs.edu

MILLWRIGHT

Using technical know-how and attention to detail, millwrights install, dismantle or move machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints or other drawings.

They work in factories and manufacturing facilities of all descriptions.

Education: High school diploma; often paired with an apprenticeship Median Pay: $50,200 Job Growth by 2026: 8% Learn more: Millwright Local Union #216, southernstatesmillwrights.org

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Willing to work?

Skilled Careers are just the ticket

J

ason Morrison, chancellor of Southern Arkansas University Tech in places. The facilities are as clean as a medical lab, working with these robots Camden, wants young people to understand two things about a skilled and this PLC equipment.” career. One, these careers are more diverse and more fulfilling than at The demographics of workers in skilled fields have also changed. Today’s any time in the past. And two, they take as much high-level coursework to skilled workforce is more diverse, providing more opportunities for women train for than almost any four-year degree. than ever before.

“First off, the message I’d want to get across to young people is career “We are seeing opportunities open for young women to move into what technical training is higher education. It is college,” he said. “It’s not a sec- has traditionally been thought to be male-dominated fields,” Morrison said. ond-class profession. If you go into aviation maintenance, you’re going to “We’re seeing young women going into the welding academy and they are receive an FAA certification. That is a high-level certification. There is a lot phenomenal welders because they pay more attention to detail and they’re of theory behind turning the wrenches. very precise. They’re very successful. And, in our nondestructive testing pro“We have a program in nondestructive testing that’s the only one in the gram, it’s pretty much split 50/50 between males and females going into that.” state. Everything that’s produced out here in the defense industry goes Most of all, Morrison said, young people should realize the multitude of through some X-ray process to make sure there’s no flaws, no cracks, noth- career opportunities that exist for people with the right technical skills, with ing that when our men and women are on the battlefield just goes ‘click’ and no sign of demand slowing down in the near future. equipment does not work. Nondestructive testing also deals with a high-level “Skill sets are dying off as the population gets older and moves out of type of equipment.” those jobs,” he said. “Those who know how to fix things, can work on pieces Morrison said many high school students are surprised to discover how of equipment or weld pieces of equipment, we’re about to see a huge void in far technical and skilled jobs have come, as well as the workplaces where those specialized trade professions. the work is performed.

“Nursing is going to be in high demand in the coming years, as we’re going “A lot of students have this mindset of manufacturing being just manufac- to face a huge retirement from the nursing profession. We’re going to need turing. You know, Grandpa came home and he was all covered in soot and more nurses as the baby-boomer population continues to age, really anything all dirty,” he said. “That’s not the case at all anymore. The manufacturing in allied health. Nursing, sonogram, LPNs, nursing assistants, all levels of the world has dramatically changed. These workplaces are high-skill, high-clean nursing field and all levels of the allied health field are going to be needed.”

BLUEPRINT | 2021 | arktimes.com 19

Tech Career Education Guide for Community Colleges and Technical Institutes

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University of Arkansas Cossatot 870-584-4471 Campuses: De Queen, Ashdown, Nashville, Lockesburg

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BLUEPRINT | 2021 | arktimes.com 21

Guide to Apprenticeship Programs for Technical Careers ELECTRICIAN

PLUMBER

ARKANSAS COLLEGE OF ELECTRICITY Rogers 479-636-2633

ARKANSAS NORTHEASTERN COLLEGE Blytheville 870-838-2934

CENTRAL ARKANSAS APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING COMMITTEE Little Rock 501-231-6471

AEAP INC. (ANDERSON ELECTRIC) Pine Bluff 870-534-2672

ASU-HEBER SPRINGS ELECTRICAL PROGRAM Heber Springs 501-352-1384 B&D ELECTRICAL Stamps 870-533-4408 BLACK RIVER ELECTRICAL Paragould 870-239-0969 CABOT ELECTRICAL SCHOOL Conway 501-796-8925 CONWAY AREA APPRENTICESHIP Conway 501-450-4888 EL DORADO ELECTRICAL APPRENTICESHIP JATC El Dorado 870-639-3781 FIVE RIVERS PLUMBING/ POCAHONTAS ELECTRICAL Pocahontas 870-248-4180 FORT SMITH ELECTRICAL JATC Fort Smith 479-709-9604 FULMER ELECTRICAL TRAINING Conway 501-796-8925 IBEW/JATC Jonesboro

870-932-2114

LITTLE ROCK ELECTRICAL JATC Little Rock 501-565-0768 MCGEHEE ELECTRICAL Elkins 870-222-3808 MCGREW SERVICE CO. Hot Springs 501-760-3440 NATIONAL PARK COLLEGE/QTI ELECTRICAL APPRENTICESHIP Hot Springs 501-767-9314 OTC ELECTRICAL Malvern 501-337-5000 RUSSELLVILLE APPRENTICESHIP – ELECTRIC Russellville 479-857-8105 SOUTH ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE/ ELECTRICAL PROGRAM El Dorado 870-864-7193 UAM COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY Crossett 870-364-6414 VILONIA ELECTRICAL SCHOOL Conway 501-796-8925

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ASU-HEBER SPRINGS PLUMBING PROGRAM Heber Springs 501-250-5788

CONWAY AREA APPRENTICESHIP Conway 501-450-4888 FIVE RIVERS PLUMBING/ POCAHONTAS ELECTRICAL Pocahontas 870-248-4180 GARLAND COUNTY PLUMBING Hot Springs 501-623-4562

INDUSTRIAL & CONSTRUCTION

ARKANSAS CONSTRUCTION EDUCATION FOUNDATION (ACEF) Little Rock 501-372-1590 ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS (AGC) Little Rock 501-375-4436

NABHOLZ CONSTRUCTION CORP. Conway 501-505-5800

SHEET METAL

ARKANSAS SHEET METAL WORKS JATC Little Rock 501-372-5150

JONESBORO AREA PLUMBING ASSOCIATION (JAPA) Jonesboro 870-974-1205

JATC OF ARKANSAS Little Rock 501-372-5150

NCA PLUMBING/TWIN LAKES PLUMBING INC. Mountain Home 870-425-6298

PAINTER

NORTHWEST TECHNICAL INSTITUTE/NWA PLUMBING SCHOOL Springdale 479-790-4623 NWACC - WESTERN ARKANSAS APPRENTICESHIP Bentonville 479-986-4084 PLUMBERS & PIPEFITTERS APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING OF AR Little Rock 501-562-4482 RICH MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE/PLUMBING PROGRAM Mena 479-394-7622 SOUTH ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE/ PLUMBING PROGRAM El Dorado 870-862-8131 SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS PLUMBING/ ROGERS PLUMBING Monticello 870-793-5253 WHITE RIVER PLUMBING/BINGHAM ENTERPRISES Sulphur Rock 870-793-5253

INTERNATIONAL UNION PAINTERS AND ALLIED TRADES LOCAL 424 Little Rock 501-353-2957

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NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING FOUNDATION Arkadelphia 870-246-0320 U OF A FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Fayetteville 479-575-5470

Arkansas steel careers are hot, highly-paid

I

f you don’t live in the northeast corner of the state, you might not know how big the Arkansas steel industry is in Arkansas. In fact, the steel industry is one of the hottest industries going in The Natural State, offering tremendous pay, benefits and a clean, safe working environment.

Dr. Jamie Frakes, dean of Allied Technologies at Northeastern Arkansas College in Blytheville, said the school’s steel tech program is the fast-track to breaking into this boom industry.

“The high school student who wants to do some unique things in a career should definitely look at the steel tech program at Arkansas Northeastern College,” he said. “This credential gives them an opportunity to get into an industry that’s very dynamic, that’s global and that impacts a lot of lives.

They can do it all right here, without leaving Arkansas.”

Frakes said that in addition to robust classroom instruction, the steel tech program gives students the opportunity for multiple hands-on experiences with local industry partners.

“We have paid internships that we offer students,” he said. “That presents an opportunity for those students to get an extra foot in the door as they work through their education. These positions are competitive to get into as they give students the chance to go to work and make some solid wages as they enter on the ground level of this career.”

Frakes said part of the work of the college is to match prospective students with the right skilled program. Students who have high success with the steel tech program tend to have certain personality traits that make them good candidates for this line of work.

“First of all, there’s the student that’s highly motivated and they are ready

for the world of work and they are looking for that credential,” he said. “They may be geared toward being part of a team and have been in school organizations that developed those leadership qualities. If they’re wired with that type of aptitude, then I would say they need to take a serious look at this program.

“Other students may be a little more reluctant right now thinking, ‘Well, what are my options?’ If they’re good in math and science and they want to see the practical use of that come to fruition, then I strongly encourage those students to take a look at the steel tech program because it’s a great opportunity for them, as well.”

The college’s tech center makes it easy for interested high school students to get a jump on their steel tech degree by partnering with area high schools to provide an early college program. This enables students to get a feel for the college curriculum experience and earn credit before reporting to campus after high school graduation. And, there’s more.

“I think probably what’s most surprising, the Arkansas Employment Security Report notes that our first-year, full-time wage average for an ANC steel tech associate degree graduate is $89,583,” Frakes said. “That exceeds first-year, full-time wage averages of every bachelor’s degree program that’s averaged in the state of Arkansas. I think that’s pretty powerful.

“This isn’t old-school manufacturing; this is 21st century, high-tech manufacturing that is designed and geared toward making a global impact. Students that come into our steel tech program are going to have the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s best faculty and will be associated with some of the world’s best industries right here in the area.”

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Fast Track in-demand careers can be earned in no time flat

T

he benefits of a technical career include job security, good wages and, in many cases, employee benefits that didn’t exist a generation or two ago. But the biggest advantage in most technical roles is the relatively short time it takes to receive an education in these fields. This not only gets a person from student to employee faster, it also stacks up less student debt compared to a four-year degree.

According to information compiled by Experian, Federal Reserve and EducationData.org, the average student debt load per borrower in 2020 is nearly $40,000. More than 11 percent of all borrowers are 90 days past due or in default on loan payments. Overall, nearly $1.65 trillion in student loan debt is currently owed in the United States. Numbers like these reinforce the importance of minimizing one’s time in college as a key strategy for staying out of debt.

However, as collegescholarships.org reported, even the more affordable two-year college can land students in debt, with an average of $10,000 in loans or more. Therefore, finding suitable shortcuts for a two-year technical degree can also pay off big time upon graduation.

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Five technical certificates earned in two years or less 1.

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Industrial Technology Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Dental Assistant Carpenter IT Badges

Fortunately, there are strategies you can employ that greatly reduce the time spent in expensive college classrooms. They include:

1. LEVERAGE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES WHILE IN HIGH SCHOOL.

In many Arkansas communities, public school districts are entering into partnerships with the local community college. These partnerships allow students to take college-level courses while still in high school at no or greatly reduced out-of-pocket cost, compared to attending college after graduation.

The potential savings of these programs are considerable; the average student can cut his or her two-year college time in half by taking classes during high school. In growing numbers, Arkansas high school students are walking their high school graduation stage with technical certificates — and in some instances associates degrees — already in hand.

2. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF APPRENTICESHIPS.

For students who have decided on a particular technical career, an apprenticeship may be the low-cost answer to your training needs. Apprentices are full-time employees who receive classroom and on-the-job instruction within a given job field such as plumbing, welding, electrical, sheet metal and many others. During the day, the apprentice is assigned to a more experienced mentor to learn the craft hands-on, with this practical experience augmented by classroom instruction several nights per week.

Apprenticeships are attractive on several levels. First of all, you’re earning a paycheck; second, your employer picks up the cost of the classroom training. And third, many companies offer bonuses for earning top grades and/or automatic pay raises as you complete various levels of the apprenticeship training, debt free.

3. SEEK OUT CERTIFICATES OF PROFICIENCY AND OTHER “MICRO DEGREES”

Technical certificates and certificates of proficiency are short-term, hyperfocused education programs that can be earned even faster than a two-year degree, some in just a matter of weeks. These certificates lay the groundwork for students to gain a basic understanding of a job skill in a minimal amount of time. Many students then parlay their technical certificates into a job, in some cases supplementing their knowledge with additional classes, often at the employer’s expense.

JENNIFER SOUVANDY

AGE: 20 EDUCATION: Associate degrees in mechanical drafting and general design/3D, University of Arkansas-Fort Smith JOB: Drafting/designer, ABB Motors and Mechanical SNAPSHOT: A middle school love for video games led Souvandy into the field of drafting and design, where she is now a key member of the ABB team, designing the company’s line of industrial engines.

HOW DID VIDEO GAMES LEAD YOU INTO YOUR CAREER? In junior high, I would play a game called Zen and I really liked building homes and designing in that. I wanted to get into architecture and that was something I was looking for when I got to high school. Western Arkansas Technical Center here in Fort Smith has an architecture program you could learn while you’re in high school. The architecture class was combined with four other courses, so at the same time I was learning architecture, mechanical, 3D. I really liked mechanical because it was different. So I started getting more into mechanical, drafting and all that 3D animation stuff and I decided to go ahead and push my career into that. I’ve really enjoyed it.

HOW MUCH TIME DID IT SAVE YOU DOING SOME OF YOUR COLLEGE WORK WHILE STILL IN HIGH SCHOOL THROUGH THE WATCH PROGRAM? In high school I found the drafting degree to be pretty simple, so I got that one when I graduated high school. Then I finished a year of college doing the 3D part. I had to choose between video game designing or drafting so I started looking into professions of both and since I didn’t want to relocate, I found that there were jobs around here that specified drafting. So, overall, I gained a year and graduated college a year after I graduated high school.

HOW APPEALING WAS IT TO BE ABLE TO GET INTO A CAREER WITH THE EQUIVALENT OF TWO YEARS OF SCHOOL? Actually, that was a big factor. I wanted to get into my career a lot faster. I wanted to finish college early and start my life early so I could have an easy future later on when I get older. The more I looked into it, I saw that there were lots of careers where you don’t have to get a four-year degree and yet I probably get paid the same amount as someone who does.

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Five Fast-Track Certificates

Certificates are available in a wide range of technical fields, but availability to specific programs will vary widely from college to college.

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY

BLAKE JACKSON

AGE: 39 EDUCATION: Studied Information Systems Technology, University of Arkansas Community College - Morrilton JOB: Senior Instrumentation Technician, Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority SNAPSHOT: Coursework in IT augments a rewarding 16-year LRWRA career for Jackson, who operates instrumentation that monitors wastewater treatment for the city of Little Rock.

WHAT DOES YOU JOB ENTAIL? The role is to install, calibrate, test and make routine preventative maintenance tests to equipment. You’re providing information to operators and engineers in other departments that helps them develop plans and see how things like rain events can have an effect on the system. It basically tells them where they need to develop further capacity as the city grows.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT WHAT YOU DO? When we have a problem it’s typically very unique, every time.

It doesn’t get mundane or boring. When you’re presented with a problem, we all tend to work with other departments to come up with a solution that you or someone else has and then discuss it and work on improving that solution.

It could be a circuit board, it could be a relay, one of our cabinets that’s just picking up a signal. Since everything in the system is connected, a little relay can actually cause some trouble.

WHAT HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES WOULD GIVE SOMEONE A HEAD START IN A JOB LIKE THIS? One of the big ones that I tell people is math. Now, I hated math. I still hate math. I’m bad at math. However, it’s necessary to prorate volume and levels and then, just knowing how to use that information.

Also, a shop class where you are working with your hands and learning how things are constructed and put together would be very useful, especially if there’s some electrical work involved.

AND COMPUTER STUDIES, RIGHT? Yeah, a computer system course will play a huge role in getting you used to working with software and the hardware of this job as well. I went to college to study information technology and information systems technology and that helped me quite a bit in this job. A lot of it has to do with automation and computers. The rest of it I learned on the job starting out as an assistant and working my way up.

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A student with training in industrial technology gains a basic understanding of mechanical and digital tools used within the industrial and manufacturing field.

Some of the jobs that this degree can lead to include production supervisor, project manager, industrial trainer and safety manager.

Sample job roles: Maintain industrial systems to keep them running in top form; suggest layout and automation improvements to make plants run safely and efficiently.

Salary range: $33,700-$60,400 (Industrial Engineering Tech); $34,400-$79,700 (Industrial Machinery Mechanic) Time to Train: Depending on the program, an industrial technology certificate may be earned in as little as two semesters, attending full-time. Part-time student can earn the certificate in as little as three semesters.

For more information, check out: National Park College, np.edu

LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE

All areas of nursing are in particularly high demand and a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certificate is the first step in a rewarding career in health care. Nursing is projected to be one of the most in-demand professions for the foreseeable future, and many LPNs find employment and earn a paycheck if and when they choose to complete their Registered Nurse (RN) training.

Sample job roles: Assisting other health care personnel in tests and procedures, keeping documentation and monitoring patient functions, providing patient personal care, changing dressings and inserting catheters.

Salary range: $31,700-$51,000 Time to Train: Depending on the program, a Licensed Practical Nurse certificate may be earned in as little as three semesters. The credential also requires passing your state licensure test.

For more information, check out: North Arkansas College, northark.edu

CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY

One of the foundational skill sets for any craftsman, this certificate introduces a range of construction competencies to the student. Students graduating with a certificate in this field are expected to be in high demand; the BLS estimates the number of construction worker jobs will grow 11 percent in Arkansas by 2026, faster than the national average.

Sample job roles: Use of tools, construction welding, concrete finishing, rigging and other common activities of any construction jobsite.

Salary range: $21,200-$55,000 Time to Train: Depending on the program, a Construction Technology certificate may be earned in as little as one semester.

For more information check out: Arkansas Northeastern College, anc.edu

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY BADGES

A very recent development, IT badges are indicators of accomplishment or skill that can be displayed, accessed and verified online. Badges can be earned in a wide variety of environments, an increasing number of which are in information technology.

Digital badges show that the learner has achieved a certain level of proficiency within a given IT product or system. Earned in less time than even a certificate, these markers show prospective employers the breadth of a computer programmer’s versatility and programming knowledge.

Sample job roles: While IT badges are most commonly held by IT professionals, they can also be useful for entrepreneurs wishing to harness technology within their business. Many industrial companies are also heavily reliant on technology systems to run their machinery, so earning a badge may make the student more employable in those roles as well.

Salary Range: $46,000-$103,000 (Computer Programmer); $43,000$105,000 (Systems Analyst) Time to Train: Varies widely with program; some structured classes take weeks, while others are work-at-your-own pace.

For more information check out: Shorter College, shortercollege.edu

DENTAL ASSISTANT

Listed as one of the fastest-growing professions in the nation, the need for dental assistants is even more acute in Arkansas.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for this position in the state is expected to grow 20 percent by 2026.

Sample job roles: Assist dentist in patient care, set up equipment, prepare patient for treatment, and keep records.

Salary range: $25,900-$47,200 Time to Train: Depending on the program, a Dental Assistant certificate may be earned in as little as two semesters.

For more information, check out: UA-Pulaski Tech, uaptc.edu

TYLER ELMORE

AGE: 32 EDUCATION: Supply chain management program JOB: Student, SAU Tech SNAPSHOT: After having worked in manufacturing in the defense industry, the Camden native is nearing completion of his associate degree, training to upgrade his skills.

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO CHANGE DIRECTION AND PURSUE SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT? I dropped out of college when I was 19; I went for about a year and then quit going. Life happened. I decided I was ready to go ahead and get back in it. I’m married and have two kids now and I’m just ready for that next step. I want to better our life in general.

WHAT DOES SOMEONE IN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT DO? It’s someone who works to make sure that the plant has the parts and supplies stocked that would be necessary for them to perform their manufacturing job functions. It entails calling and talking to vendors, making sure parts arrive on time and scheduled to where it will meet production requirements. It also deals with shipping out finished products, making sure our sales orders get met and delivered. That’s a big part of it.

WHAT ADVANTAGES DOES A TWO-YEAR PROGRAM GIVE YOU IN TRAINING FOR THIS JOB? I feel like I’ve done pretty well for myself and made a decent amount of money just with a high school diploma, but certain companies are going to want to see that you took the time to go to school and get a degree. My two-year degree is just going to help me in that.

I don’t think it’s absolutely necessary anymore to have to go to school for a four-year degree in order to be successful in the working world. The two-year programs at SAU Tech are a lot of hands-on-type degrees for electricians and plumbing and things like that.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR SOMEONE LOOKING TO GET INTO THIS OR ANY OTHER SKILLED CAREER? I’d say just get in touch with a local technical school or community college or something like that and see if there are programs they might offer that help further you down that path, if that’s something that you’re interested in. I know some of the local high schools around this area have buses that run back and forth during the afternoon bringing high school kids out here to the college. Some of these students are taking industrial maintenance-type classes and learning things like that out here.

Another big thing would be developing structure, getting yourself organized. When I was young, I was really bad about procrastination; if you can learn to schedule things out and make a plan, you can really help yourself.

ANYTHING ELSE? A career is definitely doable, but you have to go out and pursue it, you can’t just sit around. It’s not going to come to you, you’ve got to go out and work for it.

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Unions provide training, opportunity for members UNIONS: FIVE THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW 1. Union apprenticeships provide high-level technical training.

2. The more you learn, the more you earn.

3. Union training is cutting edge.

4. Membership is diverse, growing.

5. Unions have members’ backs.

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A

rkansas’s trade unions are playing a vital role in the development of new workers while providing for their members’ health and welfare on the job. These longstanding groups work to prepare the next generation of craftsmen and women and help them provide for their families. And as anyone who’s in a union will tell you, new membership is coming from all walks of life.

Here are five things you may not know about labor unions:

1. UNION APPRENTICESHIPS PROVIDE HIGH-LEVEL TECHNICAL TRAINING.

Union training programs called apprenticeships combine classroom training with on-the-job learning. Apprentices work their day jobs and attend school a couple of times per week, the actual schedule of which varies from trade to trade.

With today’s trades being more sophisticated than ever, the training has had to keep pace. And that’s just what you find with union apprenticeship programs. Unlike some school-based programs that only teach one segment of a trade, union apprenticeships cover a range of skills in demand in the workplace.

For example, union welding programs commonly certify members in different kinds of welding — 2G, 3G, stick, MIG and TIG — versus schools that award a certificate in just one. Apprentice painters are trained in the handling and application of industrial coatings such as what protects metal bridges from salt and weather. Arkansas Training Academy is one of a handful of approved educational facilities that provide this training.

Union apprenticeships take up to four years to complete, after which the worker is a certified journeyman in their trade. Apprenticeships are offered by virtually every union today to provide industry-specific training at no charge to members, be it the rank beginner or continuing education for longtime members.

SAUT e c ho f f e r st r a n s f e r a n do n l i n ep r o g r a ms , h o u s i n g , NJ CAAa t h l e t i c s , a n dav a r i e t yo f t e c h n i c a l p r o g r a ms .

Got o s a u t e c h . e d ut ol e a r n mo r e !

UNIONS AT A GLANCE

A labor union is an organization that represents a given set of workers, negotiating on their behalf for such things as better working conditions, higher wages or job security.

Trade unions represent workers who do a particular type of job, such as electricians or plumbers.

Industrial unions represent workers in a particular industry, such as actors or auto workers.

Unions came about during the Industrial Revolution, a time when America was shifting from an agriculturalbased economy to manufacturing. Factory workers, many of them immigrants or people with very little formal education, were at the mercy of management and often worked in horrific conditions for pitiful pay.

Union members pay dues and this money goes to fund various benefits and services such as insurance, retirement and training programs. Dues also pay for union staff members who work on the membership’s behalf.

Collective bargaining is a term used to describe how unions negotiate on behalf of their membership. It is one of the primary functions of a union.

Part of a union’s power is the ability to call a strike, by which their members refuse to work until demands are met.

However, strikes are generally considered a last resort.

Union workers generally enjoy higher wages than nonunion workers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in 2013 that private industry union workers averaged $18.36/ hour while nonunion private industry workers averaged $14.81/hour.

Even though most unions have a national and even international organizational structure, a member’s primary interaction is with their local, which is a group concentrated on a specific city, state or region.

Sources: Investopedia (June 2019)

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555 McKee Drive, Gentry, AR 72734 mckeefoods.com BLUEPRINT | 2021 | arktimes.com 29

2. THE MORE YOU LEARN, THE MORE YOU EARN.

College courses have a payoff at the end of the program with the chances for finding work in a technical role being very good. But with union training, apprentices are more than students — they are full-time employees within their chosen field, earning a paycheck while they perfect their craft.

Best of all, as apprentices move through the training program, they’re typically rewarded with pay raises for classroom performance, hours worked and proficiency.

An apprentice may start at 70 percent of the journeyman’s wage, then increase to 80 percent the second year, 90 percent the third year and reach full pay at graduation.

Specialists are hired at even higher wages due to the additional training they have, often earned in a year or less.

Once at full pay and with the qualifying number of work hours, a union journeyman also receives robust benefits, including health benefits for the worker and the worker’s family. Actual benefits, pay percentages and timelines vary from union to union.

3. UNION TRAINING IS CUTTING EDGE.

If your idea of the union worker is a longshoreman unloading a ship all day, you’re sadly mistaken. Union employees work in some of the most advanced manufacturing and industrial jobs there are and union training keeps up with that to keep their members in demand.

One fast-growing area of union training is mechatronics, which includes the setup, installation and operation of robotic arms. This technology is commonly in use in automotive manufacturing and assembly. Training programs in mechatronics are available through unions right here in Arkansas. Another recent area of training has been laser alignment in tooling, something local unions added to their curriculum as soon as the technology hit the market.

4. MEMBERSHIP IS DIVERSE, GROWING.

Once almost exclusively made up of white men, unions today are much more diversified in their membership. In 2017, membership was roughly equivalent among men (11.4 percent) and women (10 percent). Compare that to 1979 when men were more than twice as likely as women to be union members and made up 69 percent of all union membership.

Even more significant is the growth of younger union workers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported total union membership grew by 262,000 in 2017. Of these, 76 percent were age 34 and under. And, of the 858,000 net new jobs created in 2017 for workers under age 35, just under one in four was a union job, according to Economic Policy Institute (January 2018).

As membership has diversified, it has offered opportunities in the skilled professions for a growing number of women and minorities. In Arkansas, bilingual training has been introduced in many areas to help accommodate new Hispanic membership, for instance. And, in some skilled areas, there has been an influx of new members who hold bachelor’s degrees as they discover the earnings potential in the trades is much better than what they went to school for.

5. UNIONS HAVE THEIR MEMBERS’ BACKS.

Unlike other training options, a union’s responsibility doesn’t end when a member completes an apprenticeship. Members look to unions to help connect them to work or to enhance their skill set in areas that command top dollar.

The trade unions’ traditional role has been to stand up for better working conditions and higher pay, things that individual workers could not attain on their own against management. Organizing and speaking as one have given American workers much more power and say-so over their professions and their futures.

Most people are aware that unions negotiate contracts with companies in a process called collective bargaining. These negotiations set wages and benefits and address various working conditions that impact membership. If this process stalls or breaks down, the union may call a strike of its members until the issues are resolved, but this is generally considered a last resort.

Locally, unions regularly support their members in far less dramatic ways, too, acting as a resource for members looking for work or to take on traveling assignments that can take them all over the country. The unions may also step in to help a family where a member has been injured on the job. Many union workers say being part of such a brotherhood is one of the most appealing things about being a member.

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UNION MEMBERSHIP

After decades of declining numbers, union membership has levelled in many sectors and in some industries has lately posted strong gains.

Nationally, 11 percent of workers in the public and private sectors belong to a union, according to 2018 statistics. The strongest growth in numbers came in education services, while manufacturing, entertainment and waste services also added headcount.

Workers in the public sector, such as government, have a much higher rate of union participation (37 percent) than private sector industries.

Union membership density was stable or grew in a number of Southern states in 2017, namely Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Virginia.

Texas saw particularly strong growth.

Sources: MoneyWatch (January 2019); Economic Policy Institute (January 2018)

CENTRAL ARKANSAS BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION TRADES COUNCIL Laborers International Union Local 10 4501 W. 61st St. Little Rock, AR 72209 501-562-5953 Jeramy McCoy, Business Manager (W) 479-641-0772 (M) 479-307-1701 asbwkrs10@aol.com liuna.org/about International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Union Local 69 4515 W. 61st St. Little Rock, AR 72209 Rodney Allison, Business Manager (P) 501-565-0059 (F) 501-556-0112 bmlocal69@sbcglobal.net boilermakers.org Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Union Local 5 OK/AR 212 NE 27th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73105 Ed Navarro, President (P) 800-579-9555 (F) 405-528-0165 ed@baclocal5.com baclocal5.com Carpenters Union Local 690 3920 Wall St. Little Rock, AR 72209 William White (P) 501-568-2500 (F) 501-568-2522 carpenters690@prodigy.net ubclocal690.com Carpenters Union Local 1836 1407 S. Knoxville Ave. Russellville, AR 72801 (P) 479-968-1724 (F) 479-967-5878 Dewayne Young, Business Representative Jeremy Hughes, Business Representative dwyoung2002@yahoo.com Jhughes@cscouncil.net centralS.carpenters.org International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 295 7320 S. University Ave. Little Rock, AR 72209 Will French, Business Manager (W) 501-562-2244 (M) 501-291-9949 Ibew295.org

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1516 P.O. Box 577 Jonesboro, AR 72403 Kirk Douglas (P) 870-932-2114 (F) 870-932-6707 ibewlu1516@sbcglobal.net Elevator Constructors Union Local 79 P.O. Box 2081 Little Rock, AR 72203 Mike Campbell, Business Manager (P) 501-944-6970 (F) 501-372-2172 iuec-local79@sbcglobal.net Iron Workers Union Local 321 1315 W. Second St. Little Rock, AR 72201 Johnny Wilson, Business Manager (P) 501-374-3705 (M) 501-730-2607 Laborers Union Local 360 Tanif Crotts, Business Manager (M) 479-459-6287 tanif107@swbell.net International Union Operating Engineers Local 382 4501 W. 61st St. Little Rock, AR 72209 Heath Hensley, Business Agent (P) 501-663-6388 (F) 501-663-6389 heath.iuoe624@yahoo.com International Union of Painters & Allied Trades District Council 80/Local 424 10112 Chicot Road, Suite 218 Little Rock, AR 72209 James McAlister Business Representative P: 501-353-2957 C: 501-772-6885 jmacftidc80@gmail.com www.iupatdc80.org

Plumbers & Pipefitters Union Local 55 1223 W. Markham Little Rock, AR 72201 Ricky Jeu, Business Manager (P) 501-374-4943 (M) 501-529-3131 SMART Sheet Metal Union Local 36 415 W. 12th St. Little Rock, AR 72202 Danny Graves, Business Manager (P) 501-372-5150 (M) 501-326-4777 smw361@sbcglobaI.net www.smart-local.org/smart-sheet-metal-local-36 UA Local 669 Sprinkler Fitters P.O. Box 400 Abita Springs, LA 70420 Tony Cacioppo, Business Representative (P) 985-809-9788 (F) 985-809-7802 cacioppo.669@att.net sprinklerfitters669.org United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers & Allied Workers Local 20 6301 Rockhill Road, No. 420 Kansas City, MO 64131 Jim Hadel, Business Representative (P) 816-313-9420 (F) 816-313-9424 rooferslocal20.com UBC Millwrights Local 216 1407 Knoxville Ave. Russellville, AR 72802 Matthew Nowling, Business Representative (P) 479-967-0639

Plasterers & Cement Masons Union Local #908 815 Enterprise Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 Guy “Tom� Schwab, Business Manager (P) 573-334-2729 (F) 573-334-5451 op908@clas.net

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In many skilled fields, the future’s so bright

Five Future-Proof Careers 1. Robotics/Advanced Manufacturing 2. Logistics Manager 3. Welder 4. Medical Assistant 5. Solar/Wind energy techs

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S

killed and technical careers are poised for quantum leaps forward as new technologies continue to evolve and demand remains high. That’s the assessment of college educators who say there’s never been a better time to gain the technical acumen to take advantage of the jobs of the future.

Dr. Margaret Ellibee, chancellor of the University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College, said even students who are already bent on a technical career are surprised by how varied and vast the skilled career field is.

“Our population of students come to UA-Pulaski Tech, they meet our advisers and they may initially have ideas on what they want to pursue as far as a career,” she said. “Then they meet advisers and they have discussions about opportunities, about salaries, about where they can go. They find out it’s so much more than they even realized. That’s going on more than I’ve ever seen in my career.”

Ellibee said one trend to watch for in the future is the emergence of the multi-skilled employee. In fields such as industrial maintenance and advanced manufacturing, more employees will be expected to have a broad base of technical skill sets.

“You will still see high demand for students who want to be a welder and they take our welding program, they go into work and they discover they have the opportunity to become a specific type of welder,” she said. “Employers are still going to that employee and saying, ‘We’ve got this opportunity where you can go down this pathway. It’s more specific, has more specific skill sets, it gives you

these other opportunities to build on.’ You will continue to see that.

“But we also have students who do want to have that continuum of skills.

They’ll have a specialty area, but then more often than not they want to have that broad base. It all depends on what industry they want to go into.”

One thing that’s a given for the future, regardless of how broad or narrow the student’s vision may be, is the importance of committing to regular skills improvement.

“Technical training is not a dead-end street; in the world we live in, you must be a lifelong learner,” said Dr. Ken Warden, dean of the College of Applied Science and Technology at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. “In the technical trades, in health sciences, in advanced manufacturing or automotive technology, all of those have components of continued learning because the technology changes at a rate that requires us in any area to continue to learn.”

Warden said actively seeking additional training and staying out in front of technology is not only a good idea, it will be critical for the skilled worker of the future to keep up in the workplace.

“At this point, automation touches every industry sector there is, and embracing frequent change and advancing technology is key to every technical degree,” he said. “We know that automation and AI are going to eliminate a lot of jobs, so embracing the automation component and the technological component, regardless of your industry sector, is going to be key to an individual’s earning potential and professional growth.”

Warden said automation doesn’t make fundamental technical and soft skill sets irrelevant, but enhances these skill sets in ways that fundamentally change how these careers are trained for and how work gets done.

“A lot of historical technical programs will remain in demand: automotive service, welding, health sciences. We can’t train nurses fast enough, for example” Warden said. “But as the baby-boomer generation ages out of the workforce, we see a tremendous skills gap, which is leading to the relevance and the need for technical training.”

“If I had some advice to give to a young person it would be the first thing you need to do is figure out what you like and work towards that degree so you’re going to enjoy your work. But also be prepared to embrace technological changes and know that technology is going to change that job. Try to be forward-thinking as much as you can. Learn those skills before they get here or as they come rather than being behind the curve.”

ADVICE FROM A PRO “When you ask a CEO, ‘What kind of workforce do you need?’ technical skills were the number one response from about 22 percent of the respondents. But 40 percent of them responded that they needed people that could work with others, communicate well and all the other skills that it takes to make a team function. So you can get these technical skills but you also must understand and learn how to hone those soft skills and employability skills that make a technical degree even more valuable.”

— Dr. Ken Warden, dean College of Applied Science and Technology University of Arkansas-Fort Smith

ED HENTHORN

EDUCATION: Industrial Technology certificate, National Park College, Hot Springs JOB: Service technician, Sigma Supply SNAPSHOT: Henthorn has seen a lot of changes in a 40-year industrial career. Going back to school to earn a technical certificate helped keep him on the cutting edge.

WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHANGES IN YOUR FIELD? One of the greatest changes is probably from the control aspect with programming the human machine interfaces that make it easier for operators to utilize the equipment. That is probably the biggest change that I’ve seen.

When I started, there was a lot of relay logic and things like that, and nowadays you can take a PLC that’s the size of a typewriter and run a machine that it used to take two or three huge cabinets full of relays to operate.

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY SOUNDS LIKE A BROAD FIELD. IS IT? When I first started doing this, we were multi craft maintenance guys and you did electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, fabrication, whatever was necessary. Through the years, I’ve dealt with it in multi craft and then had the occasion to be more focused on controls and that kind of thing. Now I’m more in a multi craft environment where I touch any aspect of it on any given day.

HOW DOES YOUR CERTIFICATE HELP YOU IN THAT REGARD? It’s definitely a training thing. At National Park, we touched on every one of those aspects: mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, PLCs. There was a blueprint reading class. So yes, we touched on all of that. You need to have at least a working knowledge of all aspects, I think, to be successful at this. All these systems work together at some point, so you need to be able to understand the relationships.

AFTER ALL OF THIS TIME, WHAT DO YOU STILL LIKE ABOUT THIS LINE OF WORK? It’s always been about the challenge, I think. I’ve never been in a position where I’ve had to stand and watch a machine do the same thing all day, every day. It’s always something different. Something different breaks, you’re troubleshooting, you’re trying to figure out a system or what’s causing a problem. The challenge is what it’s about.

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Five for the Future

ADVANCED MANUFACTURING

Workers in advanced manufacturing plants stay on the cutting edge of industrial technology. Manufacturing production technicians include a range of jobs that help keep these futuristic factories running at peak efficiency featuring automation up to and including robotics.

Education: Associate degree Median Pay: $63,200 Job Growth by 2026: 10% Learn More: Arkansas Northeastern College, anc.edu

LOGISTICS MANAGER

People in this career plan direct and/or coordinate purchasing, warehousing, distribution, forecasting, customer service or planning services. They help ensure the movement of sufficient raw materials and components for use in manufacturing and finished products to market, minimizing both shortages and the need for excess warehousing.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent to associate degree Median Pay: $95,600 Job Growth by 2026: 11% Learn More: North Arkansas College, northark.edu

WELDER

Welding may seem out of place in a career-of-the-future list, given how long it has been around. However, as one of the foundational skilled careers, it can be found throughout commercial and industrial settings.

It’s also a component of more broad-based skilled careers such as Industrial Maintenance. With more and more welders headed for retirement, the job outlook is excellent, too.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent Median Pay: $38,000 Job Growth by 2026: 11% Learn More: University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College, uaptc.edu

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MEDICAL ASSISTANT

A key element of any successful medical doctor’s office or clinic, medical assistants perform a variety of administrative and clinical duties under the direction of a physician. The job description is varied, from scheduling appointments and maintaining medical records to preparing patients for examination and administering medications as directed.

Education: Postsecondary certificate Median Pay: $30,000 Job Growth by 2026: 31% Learn More: University of Arkansas-Fort Smith (Western Arkansas Technical Center), academics.uafs.edu/watc/watc-home

SOLAR/WIND ENERGY TECHS

Solar energy techs help install and maintain solar photovoltaic systems that capture sunlight and convert it into electrical power. Wind turbine techs work on windmill farms that harness wind energy to generate electricity. Projected job growth in both areas is substantial, as are wages. Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology training can prepare you for this rewarding career.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent (solar); postsecondary certificate (wind) Median Pay: $45,000* (solar); $53,000 (wind) Job Growth: 63%* by 2028 (solar); 23% by 2026 *National numbers Learn more: National Park College, np.edu

I

Peak Innovation center a game changer

ndividuals in western Arkansas seeking a technical education will soon have a state-of-the-art way to get the training they need. The Peak Innovation Center, a partnership between Fort Smith Public Schools and University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, broke ground in December for what officials are projecting as a game-changer for skilled career training in the state.

“Industry evolution and rapid technological changes have created jobs that did not exist 10 years ago,” said Gary Udouj, director of career education and district innovation for FSPS. “These high-tech positions require industry credentials, some post-secondary training and work-based learning experiences, which lead to higher pay and opportunities for advancement.

“In addition to providing students cutting-edge learning environments, instruction and equipment, the Peak Innovation Center will act as a flagship for career learning and community engagement. Partnerships with other educational and workforce agencies will ensure that this new learning environment will impact as many learners, student and adult, as possible.”

The new center is one of Arkansas's most significant educational investments in recent history, combining federal, state and local public funds with generous donations from the community. Owners of the former Hutcheson Shoe Factory donated the nearly 182,000-square-foot building on 17 acres of land. Governor Asa Hutchinson pledged $2.1 million of Arkansas Department of Commerce funds to the effort and the U.S. Department of Commerce chipped in with $1.4 million via a federal grant. An additional $1 million grant, earmarked for expansion of the computer integrated machine lab, was received from the Gene Haas Foundation.

“Our western region employers are constantly seeking more skilled workers to help fill the gap being left by an aging workforce, slowing population growth, and prime-age labor force participation rates,” Udouj said. “The Peak Innovation Center will provide career pathways and technical education that connect students directly into training and careers in advanced manufacturing, health care, information technology and other in-demand, high-skill regional industries. These industries make up the largest percentage of regional output and are vital to the economic sustainability of western Arkansas.”

Officials plan to have Phase One open with the 2021-22 school year. The finished center will offer a total of 160,000 square feet, half of it to be opened in Phase One. The teaching methodology is expected to be as cutting edge as the millions of dollars’ worth of equipment and technology, emphasizing professional skills in a true, real-world work-like environment.

“In order to emphasize professional skills like time management, accountability and productivity, communication and collaboration, Peak Innovation Center is making an effort to ‘deschoolify’ the education experience,” said Udouj. “All students will be treated as ‘employees’ to a degree, with a student handbook that acts as an ‘employee manual’ and interviews will be required for leadership positions. In addition, core classes will be embedded into technical classes, always with an emphasis on professional skills.”

Career testing will also be of the highest priority to match students with the training that best feeds their interest and aptitudes.

“One of the keys to our students’ future success is early exposure to career clusters, using YouScience data to match interest and aptitude to career possibilities,” Udouj said. “Students and counselors also use Naviance to help create student success plans and expose students to their options for careers, secondary and postsecondary training and education. In addition, sixth- to eighth-grade Career Connections classes will provide a pipeline of students to the Peak, embedding hands-on instruction in a highinterest environment.”

The center will serve students in the following school districts: Alma, Arkansas Connections Academy, Arkansas Virtual Academy, Booneville, Cedarville, Charleston, County Line, Fort Smith Public Schools, Future School of Fort Smith, Greenwood, Hackett, Johnson County, Westside, Lavaca, Magazine, Mansfield, Mountainburg, Mulberry/ Pleasant View, Ozark, Paris, Scranton and Van Buren.

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JUSTINE JERNEE

AGE: 34 EDUCATION: Studied at Walla Walla Community College (Washington state); holds associate degree in general technology, National Park College, Hot Springs JOB: Waste Water Operator, Regional Waste Water Plant, Hot Springs SNAPSHOT: A transplant from the Pacific Northwest, Jernee monitors equipment to ensure it’s running at peak efficiency to keep the water flowing.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THIS LINE OF WORK? Waste water has kind of been my thing since I was a teenager.

The classes I took in Washington kind of determined where I wanted to go. I’ve taken additional classes at National Park College, including CAD classes and a few others. I want to continue to take those classes because within the city there are so many other departments and jobs that I could do if I just add one more class.

DOES YOUR JOB ALIGN WITH YOUR DEGREE AT THE MOMENT? It’s semi-related in that it is a technical job, very hands-on.

We’re working with pumps and valves. But in Washington I also took some classes specific to waste water and process control and that’s more of what we’re doing here. Then we tie in some PLCs, we have flow charts and schematics that we have to follow along as well.

COME JOIN OUR TEAM! COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS

IS THIS A FIELD THAT ATTRACTS A LOT OF WOMEN OR ARE YOU STILL SOMETHING OF A RARITY? I think there has definitely been an increase of women wanting to get into technical fields, but in any of the classes I had, there was usually no more than two or three of us. I know of one other woman that I went to school with in the waste water field at a food processing plant. It was on a smaller scale than this. Here in my specific job, in the 40-plus years that Hot Springs has had this plant, I’m the only female operator they’ve ever had.

WHAT TOOK YOU IN THIS DIRECTION? WERE YOUR PARENTS IN SKILLED JOBS? My family was never in anything technical, I’m the first. I just like to do things with my hands, I don’t want to sit still and I don’t want to do something for one person forever. With this field, there’s a wide enough variety that I don’t get bored. I like math and science and I want to help people; this is a way that I can help people from the back side of things.

CALL US TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES WITH OUR COMPANY.

10715 Train Station Drive | Mabelvale 501-455-0555 | FAX: 501-455-4530 | thompson-electric.com 36

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After a bumpy few years that saw some operators scaling back their operations, agri-timber is back in a big way in Arkansas. Since 2015, investment is up, demand is running high, and the need for workers is nearly constant. For people with the right skills and a good work ethic, the agri-timber industry provides a solid career choice.

WHAT DOES AN AGRI-TIMBER WORKER DO? Agri-timber involves the management of forest resources, harvesting of trees in an environmentally responsible manner and processing the wood into a variety of products that consumers and other industries rely on every day. These final products range from lumber for the construction industry to paper products, to processed building products such as plywood and veneers.

The types of careers available in this field include: Logging equipment operators • Use tree harvesters to fell trees, shear off limbs and cut trees into desired lengths.

• Drive tractors and operate machines called skidders, or forwarders, which drag or push logs to a loading area.

Log graders and scalers • Inspect logs for defects and measure the logs to determine their volume.

• Estimate the value of logs or pulpwood.

• Often use hand-held data collection devices to track forest and specimen data.

Diesel Techs • Diesel engines power many industrial vehicles and machines.

• Diesel engines are increasingly sophisticated, with onboard electronics and telematics.

• Skilled diesel techs are required to keep such machines running at peak efficiency.

Just like any other manufacturing facility, sawmills and paper/pulp mills are dependent on a variety of skilled professionals such as computer programmers/coders, electricians, plumbers and industrial maintence workers.

WHAT’S NEW? Advanced manufacturing Sawmills and paper/pulp mills have a long-standing reputation for being hot, smelly and unpleasant places to work. However, many of today’s mills rely on advanced manufacturing techniques, which harness the power of technology and automation to process raw timber. This results in a cleaner, safer and more comfortable workplace, greater yield and efficiency, and more responsible handling of waste products.

WHERE DO AGRI-TIMBER PROFESSIONALS WORK? Generally speaking, logging crews spend their time outdoors in the woods, working in all types of weather.

Factories and processing plants tend to be located within a reasonable distance of where the trees are harvested to help contain logistical costs.

Arkansas’s timber processing plants are scattered throughout the state, with many of them clustered in the southwest corner, extending from Fort Smith diagonally to Arkansas City on the Mississippi River and to the Louisiana and Texas state lines.

WHAT’S THE JOB OUTLOOK? There were 290 log graders and scalers in Arkansas in 2016 and that number is expected to hold steady by 2026. There were 1,740 logging equipment operators in Arkansas in 2016, and while that total is expected to shrink by 2026, the rate of that job loss will be much slower than the national industry average.

HOW MUCH CAN I MAKE? Logging Equipment Operators • Lower range wages (bottom 10 percent) — $25,200 annually/$12.12 per hour • Middle range wages (median) — $42,800 annually/$20.59 per hour • Higher range wages (top 10 percent) — $59,300 annually/$28.51 per hour Log Graders/Scalers • Lower range wages (bottom 10 percent) — $26,600 annually/$12.80 per hour • Middle range wages (median) — $39,200 annually/$18.83 per hour • Higher range wages (top 10 percent) — $52,100 annually/$25.06 per hour

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE SUCCESSFUL? Communication skills • Must communicate with other crew members to perform work efficiently and safely.

• Must be able to work as part of a team.

Computer skills • Able to operate and adjust digitally controlled factory equipment or handheld devices.

Detail oriented • Must watch gauges, dials and other indicators to determine if equipment and tools are working properly.

HOW DO I LEARN THE CRAFT? • A high school diploma is all that’s required for most logging jobs.

• Most industry-specific training comes on the job.

• Some community colleges offer associate’s degrees or certificates in forest technology.

• A few community colleges offer education programs for logging equipment operators • Many state forestry or logging associations provide training sessions for logging equipment operators.

• Training often takes place in the field, where trainees can practice various logging techniques and use particular equipment.

• Logging companies and trade associations may also offer training programs for workers who operate large, expensive machinery and equipment.

• Such programs often culminate in a state-recognized safety certificate from the logging company.

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Did you ever notice how many people there are working in a hospital, clinic or even the office of your family doctor? The fact is it takes many trained people working together to deliver health care in the United States, and only a fraction of them have ever set foot inside a nursing or medical school. If you have an interest in the medical field, but don’t see yourself becoming a doctor or nurse, there’s a job waiting in the allied health field that’s got your name on it.

WHAT DOES AN ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONAL DO? Allied health is a broad category of careers within the health care field. The number, variety and range of these jobs is vast — some estimates say up to 60 percent of all jobs in the health care field are classified as allied health professions. Many of these positions do not require a fouryear degree, which allows people to start a career quickly.

Allied health professionals are the support staff at the doctor or dentist’s right hand; they work in the pharmacy, the medical lab or the rehabilitation room, and they are the personnel trained to operate diagnostic medical equipment.

WHY SUCH HIGH DEMAND? • People are living longer, thanks to advancements in medicine, technology and healthy habits.

• The increase of certain chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity, which have more complications and require more care.

• Gerontology (senior citizen care) is exploding with the aging of the baby boomers.

WHAT ARE A FEW ALLIED HEALTH JOBS? The website careerprofiles.info compiled a list of the fastest-growing allied health care jobs in the United States.

Medical Assistants perform clinical and administrative duties for doctors, surgeons, chiropractors and other medical specialists.

• Typical job duties: Answering phones, greeting

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patients, maintaining medical records, scheduling patient appointments and handling patient billing.

• Education: Generally includes a certification or associate degree than takes 1-2 years to complete.

• Growth: There were 3,160 medical assistant jobs in Arkansas in 2016; jobs are expected to grow 31 percent by 2026.

• Pay: In Arkansas the annual pay range for medical assistants is between $22,350 and $40,510.

oversee respiratory therapy, administer diagnostic tests and provide therapy.

• Education: Respiratory therapists generally hold an associate degree.

• Growth: There were 890 respiratory therapist jobs in Arkansas in 2016; jobs are expected to grow 23 percent by 2026.

• Pay: In Arkansas, the annual pay range for respiratory therapists is between $41,100 and $75,400.

Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians help doctors diagnose and treat heart and vascular problems.

• Typical job duties: Prepare patients for heart procedures such as balloon angioplasties, cardiac catheterizations and even open-heart surgery. They monitor heart rate and blood pressure and notify doctors after detecting abnormalities.

• Education: Most earn at least an associate degree at a community college; others complete a fouryear degree.

• Growth: There were 610 cardiovascular technologist/technician jobs in Arkansas in 2016; jobs are expected to grow 10 percent by 2026.

• Pay: In Arkansas the annual pay range for cardiovascular technologists and technicians is between $26,000 and $78,500.

WHERE DO ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS WORK? Most allied health professionals work in a medical setting such as a doctor’s office, dental practice, clinic or hospital. Some may be mobile, bringing therapies to homebound patients or performing other duties.

Many allied health jobs are an extension of the physician and frequently have close contact with patients.

Not all allied health professionals act as front-line support for medical procedures, however. These professionals maintain patient records and coordinate with insurance carriers for payment, among other tasks. Except for the fact they work at a clinic or doctor’s office, their work isn’t much different than clerical tasks in any other office.

For more information on these and other allied health professional jobs and to find training programs, visit www.careeronestop.org.

Respiratory Therapists assess, treat and assist patients with cardiopulmonary and other breathing problems.

• Typical job duties: Assess, treat and assist patients;

Aviation comes in all shapes and sizes, from crop dusters and private planes, to small corporate jets, to commercial airliners. Arkansas has a little bit of everything when it comes to this field, as it is home to aircraft manufacturing companies, airports and fixedbase operations. It’s a growing field in need of talented, skilled employees.

WHAT DO AVIATION TECHNICIANS DO? Aviation technicians perform a wide variety of duties on private and commercial aircraft. The actual job duties vary, depending on which area of the industry one chooses.

Airframe • Perform inspections of aircraft frames, mechanical components and electrical systems to locate wear, defects and other problems.

• Test aircraft functions using diagnostic equipment to ensure proper performance.

• Repair or replace components using hand or power tools.

• Technicians may specialize in a certain category of aircraft such as passenger jetliners, propeller-driven airplanes or helicopters.

• Technicians may also focus on different systems such as engines (also known as the “powerplant”) or hydraulics.

Avionics • Specialize in aircraft electronics, which includes a range of job types.

• Responsible for all the electronics onboard an aircraft, as well as the wiring that connects components to the electrical system.

• Run cables, mount antennas and connect instruments for navigation and engine monitoring.

• Test onboard equipment to ensure it’s working properly.

WHERE DO AVIONIC TECHS WORK? Some specific types of businesses that employ aircraft technicians include:

Fixed Base of Operations At most airports, private companies called Fixed Base of Operations (FBO) provide a number of services to smaller aircraft such as corporate jets and private planes.

Aviation technicians provide maintenance services for aircraft using the FBO. Airlines Commercial airlines have a lot of planes they need to keep operational if they are going to stay on schedule and deliver their passengers safely. Aircraft and avionics technicians are a key element of their success.

Shipping companies Not all airplanes deliver people; some deliver millions of pieces of freight and consumer mail or packages every day. Retailers rely on companies like FedEx, UPS and the U.S. Postal Service to deliver orders to their customers, and these shipping companies rely on their planes to make that happen.

Flying Services Flight schools, crop-dusting operations and air charter companies all need technicians to keep their machines in top shape and operating safely.

WHAT’S THE JOB OUTLOOK? Arkansas had 670 aircraft mechanics in 2016 and the field is expected to grow by 8 percent by 2026. There were 110 avionics technicians in the state in 2016 and the field is expected to grow by 6 percent by 2026.

HOW MUCH CAN I MAKE? Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians • Lower range wages (bottom 10 percent) — $26,700 annually/$12.85 per hour

• Middle range wages (median) — $48,200 annually/$23.15 per hour • Higher range wages (top 10 percent) — $68,500 annually/$32.94 per hour Avionics Technicians • Lower range wages (bottom 10 percent) — $40,400 annually/$19.40 per hour • Middle range wages (median) — $65,700 annually/$31.59 per hour • Higher range wages (top 10 percent) — $97,200 annually/$46.70 per hour WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE SUCCESSFUL? • Equipment Maintenance and Repairs • Troubleshooting/Quality Control Analysis • Critical Thinking • Complex Problem Solving HOW DO I LEARN THE CRAFT? Aviation technicians typically have some training after high school, taken at a community college or specialized aviation technical school. Be sure to select a program that is FAA approved.

At the completion of this training, technicians take an exam administered by the FAA to obtain certification in their chosen field. Technicians can also expect to take continuing education classes or attend seminars or training sessions to stay current on new parts, regulations, technology and flight systems.

Once a technician receives an associate degree, they can opt to complete a four-year degree, which opens up a number of other job opportunities and greater earning power.

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Computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing drafters create 2D and 3D drawings that are used to manufacture products. Drafters also design and make parts for use in a number of machines that are part of the manufacturing processes.

WHAT DOES A CAD/CAM DRAFTER DO? Computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) are two computer-aided technologies. Starting in the 1980s, CAD/CAM programs have been used to make customized metal and plastic parts with computer-controlled machining.

The drafter (sometimes called a CAD operator) creates a technical drawing that contains all the dimensions for the part, much like a blueprint shows the dimensions of a house or building.

In addition to being faster than hand drawings and human-operated cutting or milling machines, CAD systems can also produce parts much more accurately.

These machines have such precise measurements, they are accurate to 1/1,000 of an inch, one-third the width of a human hair.

WHAT’S NEW? CAD is used in the design, development and manufacture of all kinds of products. CAD is widely used to produce parts for machines, in the design of manufacturing tools, and in designing residential and commercial buildings.

CAD is especially important in microelectronics, providing lower development costs for newer, smaller and more powerful devices in a much shorter time frame.

Drafters also work with CAD to create BIM drawings.

BIM stands for building information modeling and is widely used in construction to produce highly accurate digital models of buildings and machines.

WHERE DO CAD/CAM DRAFTERS WORK? Architectural drafters • Draw architectural and structural features of buildings for construction projects.

• May specialize in a type of building such as residential or commercial.

• May also specialize by the materials used such as steel, wood or reinforced concrete.

Civil drafters • Work with engineering firms, highway construction firms or within city planning departments.

• Prepare maps used in municipal construction projects such as highways and bridges.

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Electrical drafters • Prepare wiring diagrams that construction workers use to install and repair electrical equipment and wiring in power plants, residential and commercial buildings.

• Employed by a wide range of companies, including construction, electrical firms and manufacturers.

Electronics drafters • Produce wiring diagrams for circuit boards.

• Produce layout drawings used in manufacturing and installing and repairing electronic devices and components.

Mechanical drafters • Prepare layouts detailing a wide variety of machinery and mechanical tools and devices.

• Mechanical drafters also sometimes create production molds.

• Employed in a wide variety of manufacturing companies.

WHAT’S THE JOB OUTLOOK? All categories combined, drafters in Arkansas held more than 900 jobs in 2016. About half of those worked in architectural or civil jobs. Most drafters work full time, spending the majority of their working hours in an indoor office setting.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, projected job growth for drafters overall is expected to average around 13 percent through 2026, growing faster than the national average and one of the faster-growing skilled job segments in Arkansas.

HOW MUCH CAN I MAKE? Architectural/Civil drafters • Lower range wages (bottom 10 percent) — $24,000 annually/$11.56 per hour • Middle range wages (median) — $45,100 annually/$21.68 per hour • Higher range wages (top 10 percent) — $64,200 annually/$30.87 per hour

Electronics Drafters • Lower range wages (bottom 10 percent) — $47,500 annually/$22.82 per hour • Middle range wages (median) — $66,300 annually/$31.89 per hour • Higher range wages (top 10 percent) — $96,500 annually/$46.37 per hour Mechanical Drafters • Lower range wages (bottom 10 percent) — $33,200 annually/$15.98 per hour • Middle range wages (median) — $48,800 annually/$23.49 per hour • Higher range wages (top 10 percent) — $75,300 annually/$36.21 per hour WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE SUCCESSFUL? • Creativity • Detail oriented • Interpersonal skills such as communication • Math/technical skills • Time-management skills HOW DO I LEARN THE CRAFT? Drafters generally need to complete a two-year associate degree from a community college. Drafters do not generally complete an apprenticeship like other trades do.

Community colleges offer programs that lead to an associate of applied science in drafting or a related degree.

The types of courses offered will vary by institution; some institutions may specialize in only one type of drafting.

The American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) offers certification for drafters. ADDA certification shows you have invested extra time and effort into your craft and is sometimes required by your employer. It can also sometimes result in higher pay. Certifications are offered for several specialties, including architectural, civil and mechanical drafting.

Of all the skilled professions, carpentry is the oldest and arguably the most widely recognized. A skilled carpenter makes a positive, even life-changing impact on the people — and quality of life — in their community.

WHAT DOES A CARPENTER DO? Carpenters construct, repair and install building frameworks, remodel and rehab existing buildings, and perform the finishing work made from wood and other materials.

Carpentry is a versatile occupation in the construction industry, with craftsmen and women generally proficient in a variety of tasks. Some carpenters are more specialized, such as those who insulate office buildings and/or install drywall or kitchen cabinets in homes.

The following are examples of types of carpenters: Construction carpenters • Construct, install and repair structures and fixtures.

• Use hand tools and power tools to complete their work.

• Construct building frameworks such as walls, floors and doorframes.

Rough carpenters • Build rough, temporary wooden structures such as concrete forms and scaffolds.

• May also build tunnels, bridges or sewer supports.

• They use hand tools identical to that of construction carpenters.

WHAT’S NEW? Cloud Computing/Apps Visit a construction site and you’ll see more iPhones and iPads than paper blueprints. Being skilled in the trades means knowing how to quickly store and retrieve plans, documents and schematics, and that’s exactly what the cloud does for today’s carpenters and their clients.

If you choose to go into business for yourself, you will find apps that help you keep everything straight, from bidding new work to billing finished projects and everything in between.

BIM Bulding Information Modeling allows architects, engineers, contractors and other construction professionals to create virtual plans. BIM also provides onboard tools for coordinating the many craftspeople who are scheduled to work on a building.

Changes can be made easily in the building specs,

without having to lug around paper plans or waste a lot of time and manpower running back to the contractor’s office.

It also provides a work structure for the tradesmen and women in their proper order and coordinates the delivery of materials such as lumber, concrete, roofing materials or drywall.

Drones Unmanned aerial vehicles are playing a larger role in the construction industry. Drones equipped with cameras can access remote locations, collect data, complete safety inspections, capture project progress and more.

Surveyors also use them to create 3D mapping.

WHERE DO CARPENTERS WORK? Carpenters work indoors and outdoors on many types of construction projects, from highways to kitchen remodels.

Working outdoors subjects them to variable weather conditions, and there are times when conditions are such that a carpenter cannot work at all.

Most carpenters work full time, which may include working evenings and weekends. This includes selfemployed carpenters, particularly in the early stages of starting a business.

Safety equipment such as boots, hardhats and harnesses (when working high off the ground) are all required when working for a general contractor or in an industrial setting.

WHAT’S THE JOB OUTLOOK? In 2016 there were 6,930 carpenter jobs in Arkansas.

The Department of Labor predicts the number of these jobs in Arkansas will grow 11 percent by 2026, faster than the national average.

About a third of carpenters are self-employed and one in five works in residential construction. As with other construction jobs, carpenters are at the mercy of the economy, and when a slowdown occurs, building projects are sometimes postponed or even canceled. When that happens, workers get laid off.

HOW MUCH CAN I MAKE? • Lower range wages (bottom 10 percent) — $22,800 annually/$11 per hour • Middle range wages (median) — $36,300 annually/$17.47 per hour • Higher range wages (top 10 percent) — $55,000 annually/$26.45 per hour Your actual earnings depend on your experience, any specialties you might have and even what part of the state you live in.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE SUCCESSFUL? • Business skills • Detail oriented • Dexterity • Math skills • Physical strength/stamina • Problem-solving skills HOW DO I LEARN THE CRAFT? A high school diploma is generally all that’s required to start a career in carpentry. High school courses in math, mechanical drawing and general technical training classes such as wood shop can be a helpful starting point.

Carpenters typically learn their craft on the job and through apprenticeships. Individual businesses, unions and contractor associations may sponsor apprenticeship programs, which can take two to four years to complete.

Apprentices learn carpentry basics, blueprint reading, mathematics, building code requirements, and safety and first-aid practices.

Apprentice carpenters learn by working with more experienced co-workers and through classroom training. An apprentice typically begins doing simpler tasks such as measuring and cutting wood and works up to more complex jobs such as reading blueprints and building structures.

There are also some community colleges that teach carpentry skills, which may or may not qualify as an apprenticeship.

All carpenters must pass the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10- and 30-hour safety courses.

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Have you ever wondered where the parts come from to create new machines or to repair or upgrade existing machines? That’s the role of CNC operators, specially trained individuals who design and make precision parts that are used in all kinds of industries and to help bring new manufacturing technology to life.

WHAT DOES A CNC OPERATOR DO? CNC stands for computer numerical control, and it refers to a category of machines that are used to precision-produce metal and plastic parts.

A CNC operator is a specially trained technician who sets up and operates these machines to cut, shape and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.

A CNC operator’s job also includes studying blueprints or other instructions to determine equipment setup requirements. CNC operators conduct test runs of production equipment and make adjustments as necessary.

CNC machines work from special designs produced by computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) or computeraided design (CAD) systems. For this reason, CNC operators are sometimes cross-trained on CAD/CAM systems.

WHAT’S NEW? Computer-controlled equipment represents a quantum leap forward in the industry, as these machines are able to cut, mill or shape parts much faster and with far more accuracy than parts that are created by hand. The technology works in much the same way as the software that powers 3D printers in a lab.

CNC technology is a relatively recent invention and continues to evolve at a rapid pace.

Machines can form and shape a part from multiple angles at once. Some have the ability to flip the component over during the machining process.

CNC machines perform fully automated cuts or drill multiple holes with tremendous precision.

WHERE DO CNC OPERATORS WORK? Most CNC operators today work in jobs in manufacturing facilities producing fabricated metal products, plastics and rubber products, transportation equipment, primary metal and machinery.

CNC is a cornerstone technology of advanced manufacturing, which is a much cleaner and safer form of

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manufacturing and provides a much more comfortable workspace. Employees of companies that use advanced manufacturing generally work in an indoor, climatecontrolled workplace.

However, CNC operators must observe basic safety rules that may include wearing protective equipment.

This equipment may include such things as safety glasses, earplugs and steel-toed boots. You may also have to wear a respirator to guard against fumes or dust, particularly when working with plastics.

WHAT’S THE JOB OUTLOOK? According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there were only 100 CNC operators in the state in 2016, which leaves a lot of room for growth.

CNC operators are the latest generation of a long line of machine operators and setters that have evolved with changes in technology in manufacturing. As more companies adopt systems that are considered “lean manufacturing,” CNC technology will continue to be an important part of production, and the demand for skilled CNC operators is likely to remain strong.

Experts predict the number of these jobs to grow 20 percent by 2026.

Most metal and plastic machine workers are employed full time. Overtime is common, and because many manufacturers run their machinery for extended periods, evening and weekend work is also common.

HOW MUCH CAN I MAKE? • Lower range wages (bottom 10 percent) — $40,500 annually/$19.45 per hour • Middle range wages (median) — $58,000 annually/$27.92 per hour • Higher range wages (top 10 percent) — $85,600 annually/$41.15 per hour With experience and expertise, workers can become

candidates for more advanced positions, which usually include higher pay and more responsibilities. Experienced workers with good communication and analytical skills may move into supervisory positions.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE SUCCESSFUL? • Computer skills • Mathematics • Physical stamina/strength • Design • Mechanical skills HOW DO I LEARN THE CRAFT? Machine operator trainees usually begin by watching and helping experienced workers on the job. Eventually, these workers develop the skills and experience to set up machines and perform a full range of tasks.

CNC machine tool programmers typically need to complete courses beyond high school. CNC operators generally do not complete an apprenticeship like other trades.

Some operators are trained on basic machine operations and functions in a few months, while computercontrolled machine tool operators may need up to a year to become fully trained in their craft.

Community colleges and other schools offer courses and certificate programs in operating metal and plastics machines that involve CNC programming.

Stop and think for a moment about everything in our world that runs on computer chips. Better yet, try to think of something that isn’t controlled by a computer or an app. The fact is, nearly everything we do is impacted in some way by technology — technology that’s configured at some stage by a computer programmer.

WHAT DO COMPUTER PROGRAMMERS AND COMPUTER CODERS DO? Even though computer programmers and computer coders are in the same job family, there are important differences to consider.

Computer coders write the computer language (or code) for software programs that tell machines what to do. This software acts as the brains behind many of our “smart” devices (smartphones, smart cars, etc.) Coders may also develop websites or apps for the companies they work for.

Computer programmers do the same thing as computer coders, but they are also responsible for managing the overall project of designing, producing and testing a new software product or designing a network system.

WHAT’S NEW? Consider: Just 10 years ago, few people even knew what an app was, and look where we are now. Technology moves so fast, just about anything we could list under the heading “What’s New” is likely to be replaced by something faster and smarter within a very short period of time. Some emerging trends in the industry include: Virtual Reality (VR)/Augmented Reality (AR) • Technologies that provide the user the ability to experience a 360-degree digital environment.

• Some applications include giving a client a look at a building before it is built, conducting flight training or producing a safety course that simulates fire or other emergency.

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) • RPA is the use of software to automate repetitive tasks that people used to do.

• About 60 percent of occupations can be partially automated; less than 5 percent can be completely replaced by technology.

• While this technology would affect, and potentially eliminate, some positions, it would also create new ones.

Machine Learning • Machine Learning is a subset of artificial intelligence whereby computers are programmed to learn to do something they are not programmed to do. Computers “learn” by discovering patterns and insights from data. In general, there are two types of learning: supervised and unsupervised.

• Machine Learning is rapidly being deployed in all kinds of industries, creating a huge demand for skilled professionals. Machine Learning applications are used for data analytics, data mining and pattern recognition.

• Jobs in this area rank among the top emerging jobs on LinkedIn, with almost 2,000 job listings posted.

WHERE DO COMPUTER PROGRAMMERS AND CODERS WORK? Most programmers and coders work full time in offices, but the nature of the work allows many to work from home. Programmers may work alone or they may work as part of a team, depending on the size of the project.

WHAT’S THE JOB OUTLOOK? In 2016, there were 3,860 computer programming positions in Arkansas. Expert predictions are mixed as to the future job outlook; some sources predict a decline in the number of jobs, while others expect it to grow as much as 8 percent.

Computer programmers and coders are part of a much larger group of jobs under the category of information technology. Programmers who have general business experience may become computer systems analysts.

With experience, some programmers may become software developers. With the right education and experience, the career options in information technology are nearly endless.

HOW MUCH CAN I MAKE? Computer programmers • Lower range wages (bottom 10 percent) — $46,000 annually/$22.11 per hour • Middle range wages (median) — $69,800 annually/$33.57 per hour • Higher range wages (top 10 percent) — $103,200 annually/$49.60 per hour Your actual earning power depends on the company you work for, your level of experience and certifications, your years of experience and, in some cases, the part of the state where you work.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE SUCCESSFUL? • Analytical skills • Thinking creatively • Detail oriented • Problem-solving HOW DO I LEARN THE CRAFT? If you attend high school in Arkansas, you already have access to beginning coding classes. In 2015, the state legislature passed a law requiring all Arkansas schools to provide computer science classes that included coding and other IT subjects as a way to give students a jump on the careers of the future. Arkansas was the first and, at the time, the only state in the country to require schools to offer such classes.

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Diesel engines are the workhorses of the road and jobsite. Machines, from over-the-road trucks, to bulldozers, to industrial and farm equipment run on diesel engines, which are known for their reliability and toughness. Diesel techs keep these machines rolling and running — on the road, the jobsite and in factories.

WHAT DO DIESEL TECHS DO? Diesel technicians inspect, diagnose, repair and maintain any machine with a diesel engine. A few examples include: • Aircraft support equipment.

• Farm equipment, including tractors, harvesters, dairy and irrigation systems.

• Marine equipment, ships and yachts.

• Over-the-road trucks (semis).

• Buses and dump trucks.

• Earth-moving equipment such as bulldozers, loaders, backhoes and graders.

• Road construction/highway paving equipment.

• Industrial/factory machines, including cranes, pumps and drilling equipment.

A diesel technician is similar to a diesel mechanic, because both use tools and training to diagnose problems, make repairs and perform necessary maintenance.

A diesel technician is different from a diesel mechanic, generally speaking, in that: • Diesel technicians are trained to handle onboard electronics (computer systems) of the modern diesel engine.

• Diesel mechanics are primarily trained to repair mechanical (moving parts) components of an engine.

Typical day-to-day job duties of diesel technicians include: • Make major and minor engine repairs by repairing or replacing parts and components.

• Perform routine and preventative maintenance.

• Work on a vehicle’s electrical and exhaust systems to comply with pollution regulations.

• Test drive vehicles to diagnose malfunctions or to ensure that they run smoothly.

WHAT’S NEW? Diesel machinery has enjoyed major advances in technology, which have created a growth in the need for skilled technicians.

Between safety regulations, environmental controls and insurance guidelines, the trucking industry has a lot of rules it must abide by. To help stay in compliance, trucking companies rely on the technology that’s built into their fleet.

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It’s not unusual for a new truck to have multiple computers onboard regulating everything from speed and location to fuel consumption. Some trucks are sophisticated enough to monitor their own systems and alert the operator when a problem is detected.

Older trucks that didn’t have these computers installed when they were built are often overhauled with the new technology to help bring them up to speed.

Farm technology is another fast-growing area where technicians are needed. Modern farm equipment can map out a field, test soil samples from different areas and apply the precise mix of fertilizer or minerals for each area. Harvesting equipment comes equipped with auto-steer, can track yields in real-time and utilizes GPS to minimize harvest guesswork.

WHERE DO DIESEL TECHS WORK? Diesel techs are employed by (among others): • Manufacturers.

• Trucking companies.

• Equipment dealerships.

• Farm operations.

• Cities and counties.

Some techs may also work as inspectors to make sure equipment meets government regulations.

The work environment for diesel technicians is in a repair, maintenance or garage-type facility. Some are mobile and must travel to the site of a breakdown or jobsite to provide service. In these instances, you may be required to work outside, sometimes in inclement weather.

The majority of diesel techs work full time. Some companies require on-call, night and weekend hours. Working hours may depend on your specialty; you may work on trucks as they come in for service, respond to emergency calls as they happen, or you may be responsible for the regular maintenance of a fleet of vehicles and equipment.

WHAT’S THE JOB OUTLOOK? There were about 3,070 diesel technicians in Arkansas in 2016 and the Department of Labor expects that number to grow by 12 percent by 2026. That’s a job growth rate that’s faster than the national average.

HOW MUCH CAN I MAKE? • Lower range wages (bottom 10 percent) — $28,400 annually/$13.67 per hour • Middle range wages (median) — $39,200 annually/$18.83 per hour • Higher range wages (top 10 percent) — $56,400 annually/$27.09 per hour WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE SUCCESSFUL? • Physical skills • Physical strength • Technical skills • Computer knowledge • Soft skills HOW DO I LEARN THE CRAFT? Many technicians, like mechanics, learned their trade on the job, but these days many employers prefer to hire technicians who have formal education in the field. As a result, several two-year colleges in Arkansas provide educational courses ranging from six months to about two years to complete.

In addition, many diesel technicians are also required to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL), which allows them to test-drive the vehicles they work on. Employers may also send experienced technicians to special training classes conducted by manufacturers and vendors to learn about the latest diesel technology, techniques and equipment.

Some employers may require (and pay for) their techs to be certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Diesel technicians may be certified in specific repair areas such as drivetrains, electronic systems, and preventative maintenance and inspection.

Electricians bring electrical power to homes and factories in every city and town in America. It is a steady occupation that is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years and is evolving with new levels of technology. You can choose to work for an electrical contractor, be on staff in a factory or own your own business, with the right license. All in all, it’s an exciting profession that’s always in demand.

WHAT DOES AN ELECTRICIAN DO? Electricians install and maintain electrical power, wiring, communications, lighting and control systems in homes, businesses and factories. They work in accordance with rules and regulations to ensure that buildings operate in a way that is safe to residents and occupants.

Electricians’ general day-to-day responsibilities include: • Ensure businesses and factories operate safely and efficiently through scheduled maintenance and upgrades to their electrical systems.

• Repair control systems, large and small motors and other equipment in factories; install electrical machines in factories.

• Read blueprints and install electrical wiring and systems in new residential and commercial buildings under construction.

• Access, test and upgrade older systems during remodeling projects. Find and replace faulty or aged wiring that could pose a safety hazard.

• Plan the layout and installation of wiring through an entire building or series of buildings. Add, maintain and replace circuit breakers, fuses and wires.

• Review the work other electricians do, making sure it meets the safety standards and building codes.

Electricians can be divided into four general categories: Residential Wiremen • Install and maintain electrical wires that go into peoples’ homes.

• Install new electrical equipment such as light fixtures, ceiling fans, dimmer switches and outlets.

Inside Wiremen • Place and maintain electrical wires in office buildings, factories, airports, schools and hospitals.

• Maintenance or repair of assembly line machinery or motors.

Telecommunications Electricians • Lay cable (including fiber optics) needed for all forms of communication, including phone and computers.

• Install systems that run telephones, intercoms, computer networks, security and fire alarms.

Outside Linemen • Work atop telephone poles or alongside the road.

• Work to restore power after storms and floods.

WHAT’S NEW? Green Energy • Green energy includes solar panels and wind turbines to generate power.

• Electricians handle special storage units called high-efficiency photovoltaic cells to collect energy.

• They also install and service power converters, which take the energy generated by the sun or wind, convert it to electricity and download it into the electrical system.

Smart Electrical Grids • New technology that regulates the flow of power to users, detects malfunctions in the grid, and maintains service to homes and businesses.

• Electricians keep smart grids running at peak performance.

Home-Powered Roof Shingles Roof shingles that collect sunlight and convert it into energy that powers the building. The shingles could potentially present a lower-cost option than conventional solar panels.

Electricians are needed to wire the solar shingling system into the building’s electrical systems.

WHERE DO ELECTRICIANS WORK? Electricians work indoors and outdoors, at homes, businesses, factories and construction sites. Many electricians work alone, but sometimes they collaborate with others. At larger companies, electricians are more likely to work as part of a crew. During scheduled maintenance or on construction sites, electricians can expect to work overtime.

Work schedules may include evenings and weekends and may vary during times of bad weather, which may require working in rain, wind or snow.

WHAT’S THE JOB OUTLOOK? Electricians held about 6,200 jobs in Arkansas in 2016, the majority of them working for electrical contractors. Nearly all electricians work full time.

The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that by 2026, the number of electrician jobs in Arkansas will grow to 6,870. This represents an 11 percent growth rate, which is higher than the national average.

HOW MUCH CAN I MAKE? • Lower range wages (bottom 10 percent) — $26,200 annually/$12.62 per hour • Middle range wages (median) — $43,600 annually/$20.94 per hour • Higher range wages (top 10 percent) — $63,150 annually/$30.36 per hour Your actual earning power depends on the company your work for, your level of experience and licensing, your years of experience and, in some cases, the part of the state where you work.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE SUCCESSFUL? • Intellectual ability • Skills in math, algebra, reading, writing.

• Troubleshooting • Mechanical ability • Business/interpersonal skills such as time management and communication • Physical skills HOW DO I LEARN THE CRAFT? Most electricians learn their trade in a combination of classroom education and on-the-job training. Some two-year colleges also offer courses in electrical fields. Generally, a high school diploma is sufficient to get started.

The most common way electricians learn is through an apprenticeship program; think of these programs as “electrician school.” Apprenticeship programs take four or five years to complete and are often paid for by your employer. Some schools are also offered by trade groups and labor unions.

Since most apprentices are already employed, they work during the day where they are supervised by more experienced, licensed electricians and attend class at night. Upon completion of apprentice school, you can test for your journeyman’s license, which allows you to work unsupervised on most tasks.

You can stay a journeyman electrician as long as you want, but many electricians choose to test for the highest license, a master electrician. You are eligible to test for your master’s license after being an electrician for five years, at least one of which must be at the journeyman level. The benefits of becoming a master electrician is more money and they may open their own electrical business.

Electricians may be required to take continuing education courses by their employers. These courses are usually related to safety practices, changes to the electrical code and training from manufacturers on specific products.

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If it can push, pull, pump or lift material, rolls on tires or crawls on tracks like a tank, it’s where the heavy equipment operator calls home. On virtually all construction projects, these employees are the first workers on the job and the last to leave. Their work is essential to a smooth-running construction project.

WHAT DO HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS DO? Operators drive, maneuver or control a variety of heavy construction equipment. “Heavy equipment” is a blanket term for numerous machines including: • Cranes.

• Bulldozers.

• Front-end loaders.

• Backhoes.

• Graders.

• Dredges.

• Excavators.

• Hoists.

In addition to operating these machines, heavy equipment personnel also do the following: • Clean and maintain equipment.

• Make basic repairs.

• Drive and maneuver equipment.

• Coordinate with other craftsmen on the jobsite.

Some of the most common job titles within this category include: Operating engineers (sometimes called hoisting or portable engineers).

• Work with excavation and loading machines equipped with scoops, shovels or buckets that dig sand, gravel, earth or similar materials.

• Includes bulldozers, trench excavators, road graders.

• Includes industrial trucks or tractors equipped with forklifts or booms for lifting materials.

Paving and surfacing equipment operators • Control machines that spread and level asphalt or concrete for roadways or other structures.

• Includes asphalt spreaders, concrete paving machine operators and tamping equipment.

Pile-driver operators • Use large machines mounted on skids, barges or cranes to hammer piles into the ground.

• Piles, made of concrete, wood or steel, support retaining walls, bridges, piers and building foundations.

WHAT’S NEW? Internet of Things (IoT) • A sensor, or group of sensors, installed for collecting and transferring data. Whenever a product car46

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ries the term “smart” or “intelligent” (smartphone, intelligent building) it’s considered part of this new group of products.

• Heavy equipment includes a wide range of sensors that automatically provide information, including diagnostics, fuel usage, machine hours and more.

• More workers are also wearing safety sensors to monitor air quality and biometrics at the worksite.

• Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are commonly used to track materials and tools.

Designed Multifunctionality • Construction companies are always looking for ways to get the most out of expensive equipment.

• Multifunctional equipment can adapt a machine to a variety of tasks, such as backhoes that double as loaders through the use of interchangeable attachments.

Telematics • Used for years by trucking companies, telematics keep track of the location, condition and operation of machines on the road or the jobsite.

• The feature uses global positioning to determine where and how equipment is being used.

WHERE DO HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS WORK? The majority of construction equipment operators work full time, in nearly every type of weather conditions. Like all jobs that work outdoors, there is the potential to get dirty, greasy or muddy on the jobsite.

Some operators may also work in remote locations and have irregular schedules to match round-the-clock production or work that must be done late at night.

WHAT’S THE JOB OUTLOOK? There were a little more than 3,580 heavy equipment operators in Arkansas in 2016 and the number of positions is expected to grow 10 percent by 2026, slightly below the national average.

Heavy equipment operators who are versatile with several different types of equipment will find themselves more in-demand than those who are proficient with only one kind of rig.

HOW MUCH CAN I MAKE? • Lower range wages (bottom 10 percent) — $26,000 annually/$12.52 per hour • Middle range wages (median) — $36,800 annually/$17.70 per hour • Higher range wages (top 10 percent) — $50,300 annually/$24.20 per hour WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE SUCCESSFUL? • Hand-eye-foot coordination • Mechanical skills • Physical strength • Comfortable with heights • Building and construction WHERE DO I LEARN THE CRAFT? Many workers learn equipment operation on the job after earning a high school diploma or equivalent, while others learn by attending a two-year college.

Among two-year colleges, some may specialize in a particular brand or type of construction equipment, while others may incorporate sophisticated simulator training into their courses. This allows beginners to familiarize themselves with the equipment in a virtual environment before operating real machines.

Heavy equipment operators do not generally complete an apprenticeship program as workers in other trades do. In some cases, training is provided by equipment manufacturers, a trade union, industry groups or private companies.

New operators or operators-in-training may operate light equipment under the guidance of an experienced operator before moving up to heavier equipment such as bulldozers. Some construction equipment with computerized controls requires greater skill to operate.

Operators of this equipment may need additional training and some understanding of electronics.

Construction equipment operators often need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to haul equipment to jobsites and may need special licenses for operating specific pieces of equipment.

HVACR technicians ensure people’s comfort by installing and maintaining heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems for homes and businesses. It’s a career field that demands a variety of skills of its technicians, and as long as summers are hot, winters are cold and food needs to be refrigerated, it’s a job that will never be out of demand.

WHAT DOES AN HVACR TECHNICIAN DO? HVACR (sometimes written as HVAC-R) stands for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration.

HVACR technicians are specially trained individuals who: install, service and maintain heating and air conditioning systems in homes, businesses, and multi-unit residential.

HVACR technicians work with systems such as oil burners, boilers, heat pumps, central air conditioning and hot-air furnaces. They also work with components and appliances such as commercial grade ice makers, refrigerators and freezers. Some day-to-day duties include: • Perform annual inspections and servicing.

• Replace old, outdated technology with more energyefficient, greener models.

• Maintain ductwork that carries air from the heating or air conditioning unit to various parts of a building.

• Repair systems when they break down.

WHAT’S NEW? Thermal-driven air conditioning • Uses solar energy, backed up by natural gas on cloudy days or at night.

• Solar panels generate high enough temperature to drive a double-effect chiller .

• Provides a low-cost alternative to conventional air conditioning units.

Ice-powered air conditioner • Another low-cost alternative to conventional air conditioning.

• Freezes 450 gallons of water in a tank overnight, provides cooling for up to six hours.

• Once ice melts, system switches to backup air conditioning unit.

Geothermal heat pump • Makes use of heat from the earth by way of looped piping placed into the ground.

• Fluid in this piping loop absorbs heat, which is carried back indoors to provide heating.

• Can also be used to supply cooling.

• Advertised to be up to four times more efficient than traditional systems.

Smart thermostats • Whole-house control systems that monitor and maintain climate control.

• Device “learns” owner preference and automatically adjusts rooms to those settings.

• Turns itself off when room is unoccupied; provides Wi-Fi enabled remote monitoring.

WHERE DO HVAC TECHNICIANS WORK? A tech might work for a company that is appointmentbased, going from home to home installing and maintaining cooling systems. Or, in industrial or commercial settings, techs might report to the same job site all day long for weeks at a time. Often, a HVACR tech’s van or truck is their office and workshop rolled into one.

HVACR techs may work full time, regular hours or they may be assigned at least part of the time to on-call to handle emergencies. These calls come in during business hours, on weekends and holidays, or in the middle of the night.

After storms or blizzards and the normal changing of the seasons are almost guaranteed to generate a lot of overtime.

WHAT’S THE JOB OUTLOOK? There were almost 3,150 HVACR positions in Arkansas in 2016, and that number is expected to grow a whopping 18 percent by 2026. Arkansas’s job growth rate is projected to be higher than the national average for this position.

To understand job growth, remember even the best HVAC system has a practical operating life of about 15 years. Imagine how many houses, apartments and commercial buildings are built or remodeled every year; that’s about how many systems need replacing.

HOW MUCH CAN I MAKE? • Lower range wages (bottom 10 percent) — $25,500 annually/$12.28 per hour • Middle range wages (median) — $39,300 annually/$18.88 per hour • Higher range wages (top 10 percent) — $58,400 annually/$28.06 per hour WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE SUCCESSFUL? • Soft skills • Active listening • Communication • Customer service • Critical thinking/troubleshooting • Mechanical/construction skills • Physical skills/stamina HOW DO I LEARN THE CRAFT? HVAC technicians require specialized training and licensing. The level of complexity of today’s systems means most employers prefer to hire workers who have received specialized instruction after high school, either through a community college or a 3- to 5-year paid apprenticeship.

Apprentices acquire their skills both in the classroom and on the job, with the cost of the training often paid for by the employer. In Arkansas, HVAC technicians are also required to hold one or more licenses, depending on job responsibilities. Following your formal training, you must sit for an exam to earn your license.

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If you’re someone who likes every day to provide a different challenge — and who enjoys being multifaceted enough to meet those challenges — then Industrial Maintenance may be the field for you. These skilled professionals are the go-to in any factory or industrial facility, trained to handle a number of situations. They are key players in keeping machinery rolling and the production schedule on time.

WHAT DOES AN INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN DO? Industrial maintenance personnel are the mechanical experts in any manufacturing facility, trained to assemble, repair and service expensive equipment.

They have a wide skill set that allows them to adapt to various situations.

Examples of machines they may work with are robotic welding arms, automobile assembly line conveyor belts, hydraulic lifts, production machinery and packaging equipment. Companies often consult with their industrial maintenance personnel before purchasing new equipment.

The industrial maintenance field can be broken down into the following job titles: Industrial machinery mechanics • Detect and correct errors before the machine damages itself or the product.

• Use technical manuals, understanding of industrial equipment and observation to determine the cause of a problem.

• Utilize computerized diagnostic systems and vibration analysis techniques to determine the cause of malfunctions.

• Disassemble malfunctioning machines, repair or replace parts, reassemble, then test.

• Work with hand tools; also utilize lathes, grinders and drill presses. Welding skills are often required.

Machinery maintenance workers • Perform basic maintenance and repairs on machines.

• Clean, lubricate, perform basic diagnostic tests, check performance, test damaged machine parts.

• Following machine specifications and adhering to maintenance schedules, they also perform minor repairs.

• Use a variety of tools from screwdrivers and socket wrenches to hoists.

Millwrights • Install, maintain and disassemble industrial machines • Perform repairs, including replacing worn or defective parts of machines.

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• May take apart entire machines to relocate them or make room for new equipment.

• Disassemble, categorize and package each part of the machine.

• These projects can take a few hours or can take several weeks.

WHERE DO INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE TECHNICIANS WORK? The vast majority of these skilled professionals work in a manufacturing or industrial plant. A small percentage work for companies that specialize in industrial repair and maintenance.

Most of these technicians are employed full time during regular business hours, but they may also serve on-call, night or weekend shifts. The majority of work is typically performed indoors.

Workers must follow safety precautions and usually wear some form of protective equipment such as hardhats, safety glasses, steel-toed shoes, gloves and earplugs.

WHAT’S THE JOB OUTLOOK? The outlook in this sector is bright. There were 5,180 industrial machinery mechanics jobs in Arkansas in 2016, jobs that are expected to grow 13 percent by 2026, well ahead of the national average.

Machinery maintenance workers held 12,590 positions in 2016 and are expected to grow by 15 percent in 2026. Millwrights numbered 480 in 2016 and will grow to 510 positions over the next five years, up 8 percent. All three professions are growing faster than the national average.

HOW MUCH CAN I MAKE? Industrial machinery mechanics • Lower range wages (bottom 10 percent) — $31,200 annually/$15.01 per hour • Middle range wages (median) — $46,200 annually/$22.21 per hour • Higher range wages (top 10 percent) — $71,900 annually/$34.59 per hour

Machinery maintenance workers • Lower range wages (bottom 10 percent) — $26,000 annually/$12.52 per hour • Middle range wages (median) — $36,800 annually/$17.70 per hour • Higher range wages (top 10 percent) — $50,300 annually/$24.20 per hour Millwrights • Lower range wages (bottom 10 percent) — $26,000 annually/$12.52 per hour • Middle range wages (median) — $36,800 annually/$17.70 per hour • Higher range wages (top 10 percent) — $50,300 annually/$24.20 per hour WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE SUCCESSFUL? • Mechanical skills • Production/processing methods • Math skills • Repair/maintenance skills • Operation monitoring • Troubleshooting/diagnosis HOW DO I LEARN THE CRAFT? Most workers in this field have at least a high school diploma and, depending on the position, may complete some post-secondary education up to an associate degree. Industrial maintenance programs are generally offered through community colleges and may include courses such as welding, mathematics, hydraulics and pneumatics.

Industrial machinery mechanics may receive more than a year of on-the-job training and often receive some college coursework as well.

Most millwrights go through an apprenticeship program that lasts about four years, after which they can usually perform tasks with less guidance. Employers, local unions and contractor associations typically sponsor apprenticeship programs.

Imagine someone invents a new machine that will revolutionize the way a certain product is manufactured. Have you ever wondered where parts, instruments and components come from to build that machine? Machinists are industrial technicians that provide the solution and also produce parts and components for existing machines.

WHAT DOES A MACHINIST DO? Long before anyone had ever heard of a “maker space,” there were machinists trained craftspeople who produce parts and instruments using a variety of mechanical and computer-controlled machines.

Machinists set up and operate a variety of computer- and mechanically controlled tools to fashion raw materials like metal and plastic into precision parts and instruments.

Many machinists today must be able to use both manual and computer numerical control (CNC) machinery. Workers may produce large quantities of one part, small batches or one-of-a-kind items. Parts range from simple steel bolts to titanium bone screws for orthopedic implants.

Because most machinists train in CNC programming, they may also write basic programs and often modify programs. These modifications, called offsets, fix problems and improve efficiency by reducing manufacturing time and tool wear.

WHAT’S NEW? Remote smart operations • The Internet of Things incorporates smart, connected devices, including smart sensors to improve control over equipment and deliver more insights.

• Various machines can operate autonomously, requiring human input or oversight only when something goes wrong.

• When there is a problem, IoT offers much better diagnostic capabilities helping technicians pinpoint and correct problems.

Laser-beam machining • A thermal process for chip or material removal, also known as laser micromachining (LBM).

• A high-energy laser beam focuses on a component and the thermal energy transfers to the targeted surface.

• Laser beam machining is more widely adopted in manufacturing, particularly for carbon fiber materials and more durable composites.

3D printing • 3D printers can create products and components from a variety of raw materials, including concrete, wood, steel and an increasing range of metals, alloys, ceramics and metal-matrix composite materials.

• Hybrid machining incorporates both traditional CNC machining and 3D printing solutions to improve product development.

• Manufacturers have much more control over the goods they create. Materials and components can be printed right at a job site with an unlimited range of customization.

Automated finishing systems • Robotic-powered finishing systems are revolutionizing the quality and output of the machinist industry.

• Robotic abrasive blasting systems offer unmatched improvements in quality, efficiency, versatility and safety.

WHERE DO MACHINISTS WORK? The vast majority of machinists work in manufacturing industries and independent machine shops. Maintenance machinists work in most industries that use machinery in manufacturing plants.

Most machine shops are relatively clean, well-lit and ventilated and many computer-controlled machines are partially or totally enclosed. Exposure to noise, debris and lubricants are greatly minimized.

Workers must follow safety precautions, including wearing safety glasses and earplugs.

WHAT’S THE JOB OUTLOOK? There were just under 2,620 machinist jobs in Arkansas in 2016 and the outlook for job growth is good. Analysts predict these jobs will grow 4 percent by 2026. This demand is in part because so many people in the workplace are reaching retirement age.

HOW MUCH CAN I MAKE? • Lower range wages (bottom 10 percent) — $27,500 annually/$13.21 per hour • Middle range wages (median) — $39,900 annually/$19.20 per hour • Higher range wages (top 10 percent) — $62,300 annually/$29.97 per hour Individual wages can fluctuate by industry, experience and skill level. Machinists can advance in their careers in several ways: • Become CNC programmers.

• Become tool-and-die or mold makers.

• Be promoted to supervisory or administrative positions.

• Open your own machine shop.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE SUCCESSFUL? • Physical strength/stamina • Analytical and mathematical skills • Attention to detail • Mechanical/technical skills HOW DO I LEARN THE CRAFT? After earning a high school diploma or equivalent, some machinists learn entirely on the job. Others acquire skills in a mix of classroom and on-the-job training.

Formal training programs, typically sponsored by a union or manufacturer, are an excellent way to learn the job.

Training programs are often a combination of paid shop training and related classroom instruction and, depending on the program, can take months or years.

Two-year college programs range from a couple of months to two years.

In Arkansas, machinists don’t generally serve an apprenticeship like other trades do.

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Few skilled labor jobs provide as many different opportunities or are in as consistently high demand as plumbers. Whether working in new construction, industrial settings or running their own business, plumbers have the potential to earn very good wages over a long, successful career.

WHAT DO PLUMBERS DO? Plumbers build and maintain piping systems that are responsible for moving liquid, steam, natural gas, liquid fuel or waste from one place to another.

Day-to-day work activities include: • Install and connect piping and fixtures, including welding metal components.

• Develop blueprints to plan pipes and fixtures within a structure.

• Make connections between the city’s water supply and homes and businesses.

• Install bathtubs, showers, sinks, toilets, dishwashers and water heaters.

• They may help design where the plumbing fixtures should go within the building.

• In industrial settings, they perform inspections, maintenance and new installation, handling fuel, wastewater and water used as a coolant, such as in nuclear power plants.

• Perform minor carpentry to repair or reconfigure systems, such as cutting holes in walls to access pipes or hanging supports to hold pipes in place • Install and service septic systems.

• Perform functions related to gas lines, including installation, maintenance and replacement and proper installation of gas appliances.

Related jobs that utilize the same basic plumbing skill set while performing additional specialized work include: Pipelayers • Provide the major framework for outside plumbing systems by installing the pipe to build these systems.

• Construct oil and gas lines by soldering, welding or cementing them in place.

Pipefitters and steamfitters • The primary difference between pipefitters and steamfitters is pipefitters specialize in pipe systems that move liquids, while steamfitters specialize in pipe systems that move high-pressure liquids or gases.

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• Pipefitters and steamfitters work with both highpressure and low-pressure systems and install automated controls to regulate industrial systems.

Sprinklerfitters • A highly specialized plumber who installs and maintains automatic fire sprinkler systems in office buildings, manufacturing and industrial plants and multiunit residential properties.

• They may also work for landscape companies installing in-ground sprinkler systems.

WHAT’S NEW? “Brain Pipes” • Smart home automation plumbing systems that allow the homeowner to conserve natural resources and reduce their water footprint.

• Smart pipes can monitor an entire home or building, sending the property owner an alert to any breaks or leaks.

Green Plumbing • High-efficiency components designed to reduce water usage.

• Includes faucets, shower heads and toilets with low-flow flush capacity.

Smart Appliances • Self-monitoring dishwashers, washing machines, water heaters and toilets.

• Computer chips control everything from wash settings and water temperature to water conservation modes and automated cycles.

• Appliances sync with smart devices to be controlled remotely.

Greywater Recycling • Systems capture water from bathroom sinks, showers and washing machines that may contain traces of dirt, food or cleaning products.

• Systems redirect this water for use in watering residential yards and gardens or landscaping and flower beds outside corporations and office buildings.

WHERE DO PLUMBERS WORK? With so many applications for a plumber’s skills, they can work in a wide range of environments: If you work for a plumbing business that serves residential clients, or if you work for a manufacturing firm, you may work primarily daytime hours.

If you work for a company that does work in new construction, you could work outdoors in remote locations or put in overtime to keep up with production schedules.

Plumbers who are self-employed have some flexibility to determine their own schedules, but it takes a lot of work and “extra mile” service to get a business off the ground.

Nearly all plumbers work “on call” at some point in their career, providing late-night and weekend emergency service.

There’s no denying that some of the material plumbers work with is unpleasant, particularly in the case of wastewater, backed-up toilets or malfunctioning septic systems. But that’s only one part of the plumbing industry. Plumbers who work for manufacturers and power plants often work in climate-controlled conditions. Building new piping systems is no more or less uncomfortable than any other craft at a job site.

WHAT’S THE JOB OUTLOOK? There were almost 3,400 plumbing jobs in 2016 in Arkansas and the future for this skilled profession is very bright. Experts predict that the number of plumbing jobs will increase 17 percent by 2026.

HOW MUCH CAN I MAKE? • Lower range wages (bottom 10 percent) — $27,500 annually/$13.20 per hour • Middle range wages (median) — $42,400 annually/$20.38 per hour • Higher range wages (top 10 percent) — $62,400 annually/$30 per hour Some things that impact your earning potential include your license level (apprentice, journeyman,

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master) and any additional training or certifications you earn.

For master plumbers who choose to start their own business versus working for an established firm, potential earnings are limited only by your skill, customer service and work ethic.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE SUCCESSFUL? • Mechanical ability • Building and construction expertise • Design skills HOW DO I LEARN THE CRAFT? Plumbers begin their journey in an apprenticeship program. Apprenticeship training schools are specialized education centers sponsored by trade associations, unions, as stand-alone institutions and some two-year Arkansas colleges.

Apprenticeships range from 4- to 5-year programs and, typically, you are sent to apprentice school by your employer after hiring on with a company. What this means is, you work during the day, learning your craft under an experienced plumber, and attend class one or two nights per week for classroom instruction. It also means that your education is paid for by your employer.

After you complete your apprenticeship, you test for your journeyman’s license. A journeyman level plumber can work unassisted on most projects and can generally handle more advanced projects than an apprentice.

Some people choose to test for their master’s license. Master plumbers represent the highest level of plumbers and therefore command the highest pay.

Take the next steps at

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Have you ever taken part in a process and thought, “There has to be a better way to do this.” That’s the daily motto of process technicians, employees whose job it is to figure out better ways to produce items through manufacturing. Process technicians help companies make better products in ways that are safer, more efficient and therefore more profitable.

WHAT DOES A PROCESS TECHNICIAN DO? Simply put, process technicians look for ways to build or produce things better. They are trained to look for inefficiencies in production and find ways to improve the process. By assisting industrial engineers, process technologists help integrate workers, machines, materials, information and energy to make a product or provide a service. They prepare machinery and equipment layouts, plan workflows, conduct statistical production studies and analyze production costs.

Process technology can be broken down into two main categories: Chemical technician Chemical technicians use laboratory instruments and techniques to help chemists and chemical engineers research, develop, produce and test chemical products and processes. Among their job duties are: • Monitor chemical processes and test the quality of products to make sure that they meet standards and specifications.

• Set up and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment.

• Troubleshoot production problems or malfunctioning instruments.

• Prepare chemical solutions.

• Conduct, compile and interpret results of chemical and physical experiments, tests and analyses for a variety of purposes, including research and development.

• Prepare technical reports, graphs and charts, and give presentations that summarize their results.

Industrial engineering technician Industrial engineering technicians assist industrial engineers in devising efficient systems to make a product or provide a service. Industrial engineering technicians typically do the following: • Suggest revisions to methods of operation, material handling or equipment layout.

• Interpret engineering drawings, schematic diagrams and formulas.

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• Confer with management or engineering staff to determine quality and reliability standards.

• Prepare charts, graphs and diagrams to illustrate workflow, routing, floor layouts, how materials are handled and how machines are used.

• Collect data to assist in process improvement activities.

• Study the time and steps workers take to do a task through time and motion studies.

WHERE DO PROCESS TECHNICIANS WORK? Process technicians typically work full time and inside, either in a factory, a lab or some other kind of manufacturing setting. They generally work regular business hours; however, some overtime may be required to meet project deadlines. Process technicians may also work irregular hours to monitor laboratory or plant operations during second and third shifts.

WHAT’S THE JOB OUTLOOK? According to the Department of Labor, there were 670 chemical technician jobs in state in 2016, a category that is expected to grow to 730 in 10 years. This is nearly double the rate of growth nationally.

Additionally, there were 350 industrial engineering technician jobs in Arkansas in 2016 and that number is expected to increase 6 percent to 370 jobs by 2026.

This is also well above the national rate of growth for this same job.

HOW MUCH CAN I MAKE? Chemical technicians • Lower range wages (bottom 10 percent) — $28,300 annually/$13.59 per hour • Middle range wages (median) — $40,300 annually/$19.39 per hour • Higher range wages (top 10 percent) — $73,900 annually/$35.53 per hour

Industrial Technicians • Lower range wages (bottom 10 percent) — $33,700 annually/$16.20 per hour • Middle range wages (median) — $45,500 annually/$21.87 per hour • Higher range wages (top 10 percent) — $60,400 annually/$29.03 per hour WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE SUCCESSFUL? CHEMICAL: • STEM concepts • Critical thinking • Information ordering • Monitoring • Deductive/inductive reasoning INDUSTRIAL: • Mechanical skills • Engineering/technology concepts • Production/processing concepts • Mathematics • Design • Complex problem solving

The welding profession is one of nearly unlimited opportunity. Welders work in a wide range of industries and work environments, are in high demand, command good wages and even launch their own businesses. For a person with the right skills and work ethic, welding is one of the most stable skilled professions one can have.

WHAT DOES A WELDER DO? In the simplest terms, welders are skilled professionals who join two pieces of metal using heat and gas in order to seamlessly and permanently bond them.

The type of welding used on any given job depends on the materials. Welding is the most durable way to join two parts, using electrical currents to create heat and bond metals together. In all, there are more than 100 different processes that a welder can use, four of the most common being: GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) • More commonly known as MIG (metal inert gas) welding, this type is among the most easily mastered type of welding.

• Acceptable for fusing mild steel, stainless steel and aluminum.

Arc Welding • Arc welding is also known as SMAW (shielded metal arc welding) or stick welding.

• The most basic type of welding.

• Commonly used in manufacturing, construction and repair work.

FCAW (Flux-Cored Arc Welding) • Developed as a lower-cost, high-speed alternative to stick welding.

• Known for being easy to learn.

• Commonly used to bond iron and steel; used in manufacturing, construction and repair work.

GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding) • Commonly known as TIG (tungsten inert gas) welding.

• Delivers a superior finish without requiring a lot of finish sanding or grinding.

• Very complex process, requiring a welder with a lot of experience to perform well.

WHAT’S NEW? Most people have at least a general idea of what a welder is and what he or she does. But did you know there are two related processes that perform many of the same functions as welders, but use different tools and bonding elements? These jobs aren’t new, exactly, but most people outside the industry haven’t heard of them.

Cutters • Utilize heat from an electric arc, plasma stream or burning gases to cut and trim metal objects to specific dimensions.

• Cutters also take apart large objects such as ships, railroad cars, boilers and aircraft using special highstrength cutting materials.

Solderers/brazers • Use heat to join two or more metal objects together.

• Soldering and brazing are similar, except that the temperature used in soldering is lower.

• Soldering is used to make electrical and electronic circuit boards such as computer chips.

• Brazing is used to connect cast iron and thinner metals that would warp under the high temperature of welding.

WHERE DO WELDERS WORK? As the most common and most permanent way of joining pieces together, welding is a trade that performs work as a stand-alone component of larger projects or is used within another trade.

Plumbers are generally trained in the basics of welding in order to perform pipefitting tasks. Other industries use welding as part of their overall operations, including body shops, sheet metal, shipyards and boilermaking operations.

A welder may work on a building or bridge construction site (either indoors or outdoors), which exposes them to working in all kinds of weather. They may also be required to work several stories above the ground on steel building structures or bridges.

Other welders work in a metal shop or garage-like area, which is generally climate controlled. Still other welders work in a factory or industrial setting where they handle maintenance and fabrication tasks as they come up.

Welders generally work full time and it’s not uncommon for them to work a lot of overtime to stay ahead of production schedules, particularly in construction. In some industrial settings, welders may be employed on overnight shifts.

WHAT’S THE JOB OUTLOOK? There were 5,190 welder jobs in Arkansas in 2016 and the industry is expected to grow at a healthy pace. The U.S. Department of Labor predicts by 2026 the number of welder jobs in Arkansas will grow 9 percent, which is nearly double the national average.

Some welders move from construction job to construction job, meaning a general slowdown in building projects can mean periods of unemployment. The more mobile a welder is, the more easily he or she may find additional projects.

HOW MUCH CAN I MAKE? • Lower range wages (bottom 10 percent) — $27,500 annually/$13.23 per hour • Middle range wages (median) — $37,900 annually/$18.22 per hour • Higher range wages (top 10 percent) — $56,300 annually/$27 per hour WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE SUCCESSFUL? • Physical strength and dexterity • Vision • Attention to detail HOW DO I LEARN THE CRAFT? Some high schools have beginner welding programs as part of automotive or shop classes, which can give students a head start on their education.

Most welders have a high school diploma or equivalent and a professional certification, which can be earned through a community college, a private training program or welding courses sponsored by industry groups or trade unions.

Welding programs can be a few months long or they can be an apprenticeship lasting four or five years. They can be full-time classes like any other college curriculum or, in the case of many apprenticeship-type training programs, are held one or two nights a week while the student works full time for a welding company, thereby also learning on the job.

Another advantage of the work-study nature of apprenticeship programs is most employers pay for the training as an employee benefit.

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If you can, take a shop class. Most of the schools around here can go out to National Park College, (in Hot Springs) and they have high school courses for machinists, auto mechanics. One of my sons did the auto mechanics class in high school. I would highly recommend any of the college courses the high schoolers are able to get into. Go ahead and take them to get them done and out of the way.

Hopefully, that’ll spark an interest for moving on.

Jay Hardister, Control Specialist Automated Control Solutions

For me, AP classes were not really worth it in high school because you work that hard and then it all comes down to the end of the year and you have to take a test. It’s all about if you pass that test; if you fail it, you don’t get the credit. Whereas concurrent classes, you take them and you pass and you get the college credit as you go along. Even if I hadn’t taken career courses, I still would have picked concurrent classes in high school. It makes graduating college a lot easier.

Jennifer Souvandy, Drafting/Designer ABB Motors and Mechanical

If you’re going to be looking for a job, find something that’s interesting to you. Find out if it gives you purpose, even purpose in the most unlikely places. Also, it’s important to do your best, even if you don’t like a job. It may provide you better opportunity or better pay, or at least a good reference toward that next job you’re seeking.

Blake Jackson, Senior Instrumentation Technician Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority

Honestly, a lot of these jobs are not superphysically demanding, yet they’re still financially rewarding. There really is no ceiling as far as how high you can go. The thing that’s most rewarding to me is, you see an outcome every day with what you’ve done, what your accomplishments are. You’re not doing the same thing all the time without a result. If you do get bored, there’s always another option because every bit of experience you get in college or on a job transfers to another job, even if it’s working with something different.

Justine Jernee, Waste Water Operator Regional Waste Water Plant, Hot Springs

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Every occupation now is computer-based.

Take automotive technology as an example. We don’t have auto mechanics anymore; we have automotive technicians. All new and modern vehicles have at least 12 computers in them, and if you take that one concept it applies across every occupation that you can name across any training aspect. It doesn’t make any difference whether it’s in the skilled trades or soft-skill areas like management and leadership positions, all of those are technology-based at this point.

Dr. Andrea Slaton, Interim Director Western Arkansas Technical Center, Fort Smith

Some of the careers that I see that will be in particularly high demand in the future include logistics and trucking. Energy and fuel development are going to be just absolutely a tremendous career to go into. I also think information technology, especially cyber security, is just beginning to take off and I think that’s going to be a very positive career one could get into.

And health careers, anything in health care is a great option for the future.

Dr. Margaret Ellibee, chancellor University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College, North Little Rock

There’s more and more emphasis on education and trained individuals and it’s important to get that training to help because the technology changes and you need to be on top of it. At the same time, someone who’s new is going to have to shadow somebody for a while to get their feet wet. They still need to be out in the field and get some handson for a little while. What’s in the book ain’t always what’s reality.

Ed Henthorn, Service Technician Sigma Supply

Your technical skills are just part of being a good employee. How you approach your job is a big part of it, too. I’ve always been early, for example, I’ve never been late. I’m here early even if the shift starts at 7 o’clock in the morning, I’m here at 6:30. And teamwork, teamwork is the biggest part of it. You can’t do some of the stuff out there without other people. Sometimes you need the extra brainpower or the extra muscle so you have to have interactive skills. You have to be able to talk to one another and communicate without getting aggravated.

Kassie Cramer, Diesel Mechanic Entergy-Arkansas

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. g o f e h t n i t Don’t get los Tired of missing out, while all your friends are having fun? Vaping addicts you to nicotine, with one e-cig equaling up to a pack of cigarettes. Learn more about the hazards of vaping at ProjectPreventAR.org.

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