Blueprint 2024 by Arkansas Times

WOMEN IN THE TRADES Trailblazing workers show grit, determination to follow their dream

2024 BLUEPRINT | 2024 | arktimes.com 1

Cleaner power for a brighter future At Entergy Arkansas, we’re powering a brighter future by investing in clean, reliable energy to keep you safe and comfortable while fueling our economy.

Building clean power generation We’re the largest solar power provider in Arkansas. By the end of 2024, we will have at least 7,100 acres of solar arrays currently operating or under development. Together, our facilities will provide enough clean power to energize more than 130,000 homes.

Modernizing the grid We’re improving reliability and customer service by upgrading our critical infrastructure and have installed new advanced meters – giving you more confidence and control at your fingertips.

Supporting our communities We’ve been serving Arkansans for over a century, with nearly 2,800 employees and over 728,000 customers. We’re honored to have been named a Top Economic Development Utility by Site Selection magazine. Learn more at entergyarkansas.com/brightfuture.

BLUEPRINT | 2024 | ARKANSAS TIMES

BROOKE WALLACE Publisher brooke@arktimes.com EDITORIAL DWAIN HEBDA Editor

UNIVERSITY of ARKANSAS

PULASKI TECHNICAL COLLEGE

SCHOOL OF TECHNICAL AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

MANDY KEENER Creative Director mandy@arktimes.com MIKE SPAIN Art Director ADVERTISING LESA THOMAS Senior Account Executive LUIS GARCIAROSSI SOMMER THROGMORTON Account Executives

Advanced Manufacturing Technology

PRODUCTION WELDON WILSON Production Manager/Controller

Automotive Technology

ROLAND R. GLADDEN Advertising Traffic Manager

Aviation Maintenance

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sarah Holderfield

Collision Repair Technology

OFFICE STAFF ROBERT CURFMAN IT Director

Cosmetology Diesel Technology

CHAROLETTE KEY Billing/Collections

General Technology

JACKSON GLADDEN Circulation Director

HVAC-R High Voltage Lineman Training Tractor and Trailer Logistics CDL Welding Technology and More!

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BREAK FREE FROM EXPECTED

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JACOB SLATON / WHATEVER MEDIA GROUP

IN THIS ISSUE

6 Women In The Trades

8 Learn To Earn

12 Innovative New Programs Serve Booming Market

SPECIAL SECTION: IT ARKANSAS 15 IT Arkansas 16 Tech Frontiers 20 Arkansas Coding Academy 21 A Parent's Guide to IT careers 22 Lithium Boom 24 Future Tech Stars

YOUR GUIDE TO ALL CAREERS TECH

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30 Agri-Timer 31 Allied Health 32 Aviation Technology 33 CAD/CAM Drafter 34 Carpenter 35 CNC Operator

JOBS IN DEMAND 36 Computer Coder/ Programmer

37 Diesel Technician 38 Electrician 39 Heavy Equipment Operator 40 HVACR Technician

41 Industrial Maintenance 42 Machinist 43 Plumber 44 Process Technology 45 Truck Driver 46 Welder

ON THE COVER: Alexis Riley, Arkansas Northeast College 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. 4

BLUEPRINT | 2024 | ARKANSAS TIMES

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great years Our commitment continues: in the community

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WOMEN IN THE TRADES Trailblazing workers show grit, determination to follow their dream.

t wasn’t so long ago that women in so-called “man jobs” were few and far between. And, while it is still not exactly commonplace to see women as welders, plumbers and construction workers, the times have been changing fast. Today, women can be found working alongside men in every trade imaginable, often beating them at their own game. Blueprint talked to several of these smart, skilled work-

ers, who said the intimidation of being the only woman in a classroom or on a jobsite is very real, but so is the satisfaction of accomplishing something nobody thought you could and earning your co-workers’ respect in the process. Here are the stories of some remarkable skilled professionals who are changing the game for those who would follow in their footsteps.

Alexis Riley, 19 STEELWORKER

rom her earliest memory, Alexis Riley knew she was destined to work in steel. “My dad worked over here in the steel mills for my whole life,” she said. “I think he’s going on 19 years now. I grew up with my dad working, talking about it. I never really thought that it was something that I could do until after I graduated. That’s when I really started taking an interest in it and started looking more into it, but I really knew my whole life what I wanted to do.” Throughout her studies at Arkansas Northeastern College in Blythville and a paid internship with Nucor Corporation, Riley has seen very few other women. This created for some intimidating moments, even for someone with a sizable dose of self-confidence. “Everyone kept telling me that I have the advantage being the only woman but to me personally, I’d seen it as a disadvantage,” she said. “I didn’t want them to think that I couldn’t do what they could do or didn’t learn as quickly or couldn’t pick up as quickly as everybody else. I felt like I had to work 20 times harder than anybody else just to prove myself.” Riley’s approach to her work has paid off, successfully competing against men for her spot in the internship program and winning over her workgroup made up entirely of more experienced men.

BLUEPRINT | 2024 | ARKANSAS TIMES

“I’ve learned so much out here and I’m learning more stuff every day,” she said. “I would say I pick up things easier now because I’m having to go so fast. Everything’s so fast in there that if you don’t pick up very quickly you’re not going to get to the

hands-on part as quickly. And that’s what I was really focused on because I learn better when I’m doing something physically.” Her advice to those who would follow her footsteps: listen, ask questions and work hard. “Working here was about what I expected,” she said. “I knew coming into it that I had to work hard, that I had to listen to what everybody says. I have to think about safety every second that I’m in there because you can get hurt in a split second if you lose focus. Like I said, my dad’s been there for so long, he prepared me for what the environment was going to be like.” As for that intimidation factor? She says it’s natural, but it also goes away with time and accomplishment. “Ultimately, it all comes down to the attitude that you have about it and how you approach it,” she said. “The person with the good attitude will get the job over a person with more experience and a bad attitude. You have to have the want to and the drive to learn more. If you have that, then you have endless opportunities. “Everyone’s been great to me, they just started letting me do some hands-on stuff. I’m learning more and more about the plant each and every day,” she says with a chuckle. “The intimidation has worn off. I love these guys like my brothers.” ARKANSAS NORTHEAST COLLEGE

DREW CRONE, 20 WELDER

ike a lot of women in the trades, Drew Crone has had her share of situations where she was the only woman in the room. It only made her work harder. “The secret to success in this job is being passionate about what you’re working on, I’d say. That’s going to keep you on the right track,” she said. “You can’t let other people discourage you from what you’re doing or discourage you from asking for help when you need it. A lot of people are so intimidated by it all that they won’t ask for help, and they are so discouraged by not being able to do it right off the bat that they give up quicker.” “It’s not just women, but a lot of men who don’t have that passion will come and go. People don’t have the right expectation of what they’re getting into, and they fade out quicker.” Crone decided to pursue a skilled career at an early age, thanks to the example set by her father. “Dad’s kind of like a jack-of-all-trades, to be honest, but he would call himself a carpenter,” she said. “I was exposed to different trades including people in the welding industry. I knew I wanted to be a welder from a very young age.

the course of her 12-hours days, working Thursday through Sunday, she’ll handle various welding tasks as assigned by her supervisor. “I’m a structural welder so I don’t do pipe; where I work now we do all wire welding, flux core. I am stick welding certified as well,” she said. “Sometimes I’ve dabbled in fitting up what I’m working on and actually getting the blueprints and reading them and putting it all together before I weld, but usually just welding.” She said joining the crew was another source of intimidation, but that she has quickly grown close to her co-workers who have accepted her as she learns. “The part of this job I didn’t expect was how many people would be eager to help me and want to see me grow,” she said. “There’s a lot of people that really look out for me there. People talk crazy sometimes, it’s kind of locker room talk, but there’s a lot of people that really don’t let that happen. They look at me like a little sister, which I’m very grateful for. “My career goal is to learn as much as I can in every place that I go. That’s really the biggest thing for me is learning and growing.” JACOB SLATON / WHATEVER MEDIA GROUP

“My best friend’s mom owns a welding company, and she came in the fourth grade and did a career day exhibit. Ever since then, I knew I wanted to try it, at least. I find it very therapeutic to weld; you really get into a groove and get comfortable and it’s very relaxing.” While attending Arkansas Elite Welding Academy in Quitman, Crone was connected to Lexicon through the school. She’s been on the job with the Little Rock steel fabricator since last April. Over

Paige Bourquard, 32 TRANSMISSION LINE MANAGER

o the best of her knowledge, Paige Bourquard is the only women in her role throughout Entergy. It’s a distinction she takes pride in, but not nearly as much as getting the job done correctly. “One great thing that Entergy has to offer is all these different career paths,” she said. “If there’s someone starting out as a hand on the line crew and he or she feels like a person who could develop into something on the leadership side, we have those conversations and present those career paths. “I tell myself and my supervisor on my team, we’re here to get a job done but we’re also here to develop and help advance people that want to be advanced and see themselves going somewhere else.” That kind of career diversity is something that attracted Bourquard to Entergy in the first place. A civil engineer by training, she landed a temporary job in Little Rock as a T-line design engineer, a gig that lasted eight months. “I really enjoyed that type of work, the people I was around and just the general aesthetics for Arkansas,” said the New Orleans native. “It’s a different kind of pace but it was really enjoyable, so when I moved back I told my boyfriend at the

time, I think it would be good at some point for us to move back over there and find a more permanent role. Earlier this year I applied for the job I’m in now and I got it.” Though her time with the company has been relatively short, she’s already discovered what people who are successful here have in common.

“Ask a lot of questions and show curiosity. Show the drive to learn and have good situational awareness." “Ask a lot of questions and show curiosity,” she said. “Show the drive to learn and have good situational awareness. Demonstrate the ability to work around stuff that you may not initially be familiar with. You can tell the people who shy away from something different and the ones who try to learn

from the situation.” Her advice to the next generation of women in the trades is to be bold, even if you’re the only woman on the truck or on the jobsite. “I don’t even think about that anymore because I’ve established a respected relationship between me and everybody else,” she said. “The big thing is not pretending to know everything but have the confidence in what you do know. “I came from the engineering side and I’m working with people who are building transmission lines. The only way I’ve learned how to build transmission lines is to watch all of those men build it and ask them questions. I never try to pretend like I know what they’re talking about more than they do, and that’s created a trusting and respectful relationship because they know they can lean on me on the engineering side if they need help.” Most of all, she said, find your passion and aim for it. “You’ve got to figure out what drives you,” she said. “Do your homework, decide what would motivate you to do every day and then try to find a career path to it.” n

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LEARN TO EARN Two-year schools, community-based training lead the way in skilled career education.

rkansas’s two-year colleges have always played a vital role in the state’s workforce education, and that’s never been truer today. Two-year colleges offer an affordable path to a great-paying career in half the time and a fraction of the cost of a four-year degree. Plus, two-year degrees are designed to be very practical in the workplace, giving students skills they can use from the first day on the job. A two-year degree is flexible, meaning you can go

ARKANSAS NORTHEASTERN COLLEGE

What is the biggest misconception people still have about a career in skilled fields? In the past, and maybe even now to some degree, there has been a stereotype that community colleges are for the less academically gifted and/or the more economically challenged students. The fact that our students are earning more than those earning bachelor and master’s degrees after completing our programs is already helping to change that. There are also some misconceptions about what industrial jobs actually entail or all the different opportunities that a person can have

in the industrial field. We work with students to explain that even in the industrial field, a company may have opportunities for a medical professional, an IT analyst, an HR administrator, a production operator, a maintenance technician or an industrial electrical technician. At ANC, we can provide all of those opportunities through our programs. What sets ANC educational programs apart? Arkansas Northeastern College stands out in the realm of technical training because of its highly experienced instructors. Our customized

ARKANSAS NORTHEAST COLLEGE

Blytheville One of the most successful two-year colleges in the state, Arkansas Northeastern College offers one of the lowest total costs of attendance and produces graduates who earn the most on average of any post-secondary school in the state. ANC’s technical programs, led by its industry-leading steel technology program, is the model by which other schools are judged. We reached out to Stacey Walker, dean for customized training, to find out more.

directly into the workforce after as little as one semester’s schoolwork, or you can build on your associate degree through a partnering school and earn your bachelor’s degree. Best of all, with so many campuses across the state, you’re never too far from home as you train for your future. Blueprint reached out to two-year schools and training facilities around the state and asked them what skilled careers education looks like in 2024. Here’s what they told us:

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ARKANSAS NORTHEAST COLLEGE

At ANC we offer the ANC Tech Center, providing instruction to seven local school districts’ juniors and seniors in steel technology, industrial technology, computer information systems, construction technology, welding and medical professions. These are all programs with coordinating job opportunities. Through the tech center, students can explore fields that may be of interest to them. Each of the classes are beneficial and they help a lot of students who are unsure of the best program to meet their needs to discover a rewarding career.

Arkansas Northeastern College 2501 S. Division St., Blytheville www.anc.edu

PEAK INNOVATION CENTER

Fort Smith While technically not a two-year college, the PEAK Innovation Center in Fort Smith came about as a collaborative partnership between Fort Smith Public Schools and the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith Western Arkansas Technical Center, as well as the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce and multiple local businesses. PEAK’s model of providing industry-informed training programs is starting to be copied in similar facilities statewide and is a critical player in developing the workplace of tomorrow, said Anita Bracken, vice president of workforce development with the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Dr. Gary Udouj, director of Career Education and District Innovation with Fort Smith Public Schools.

ARKANSAS NORTHEAST COLLEGE

training division, The Solutions Group, has been recognized nationally for innovation and utilizes instructors with extensive expertise in specific areas of industrial manufacturing. ANC’s industrial trainers come from the actual backgrounds where they teach, which gives them applicable, real-world experience. They bring knowledge about the industry as a whole as well as specific skills for specific jobs. Each of ANC’s industrial instructors brings 10 to 30 years of experience in the industrial manufacturing sector, with a particular focus on the steel industry, producing graduates who are exceptionally well-prepared for the skilled labor market. What are some good classes for high schoolers to prepare for college and their career?

BLUEPRINT | 2024 | ARKANSAS TIMES

Why does PEAK exist? Udouj: Students need to be aware of what career options there are, and the earlier we can talk to them about their options the more time they’ll have to try different things and see what they like. PEAK is a great tool we can use to assist students and prepare them for their next step after high school, be that in college or the workforce. Bracken: Fort Smith is the largest manufacturing region in Arkansas. We have several thousand jobs that are here and many more jobs that we anticipate can come online in manufacturing, health care and IT with a skilled workforce.

Why is this model effective? Bracken: I think a lot of it goes back to the fact that local businesses were at the table at the very beginning. It wasn’t an idea from education that then went out and asked business, “Do you think this is what we need?” Business was at the table saying, “This is what we need” and we delivered on that. Udouj: The PEAK Innovation Center is invaluable because all of our students are headed toward a career. In preparation for that career some students will need four-year degrees, some might need two-year degrees and some may need industry certifications. But all students need to be aware of what career options are, and how to get there. n

PEAK Innovation Center 5900 Painter Lane, Fort Smith fortsmithschools.org/peak

AGE: ARKANSAS NORTHEAST COLLEGE

What’s one standout educational program you offer? Bracken: Number one is our computer-integrated machining lab, which is a high-demand field in Fort Smith. When we walk individuals through here they see that it’s not the dark, dirty concept that they think of when they hear the word machining. It’s light and bright and has tall ceilings and we still have manual machines and we still have CNC machines, but they can look at it from a different angle. We can show them this is the very same equipment they’re going to see when they go to work at one of our regional companies.

LOGAN ROGERS

What made you decide to build a career with your own two hands? My original plan was to be a neurologist. It wasn’t until beginning my senior year that I decided I was going to go into a trade. My dad’s worked at Nucor [Steel] for 25 years and it’s provided a good life for us. He’s made a really good life for our family without having a college degree. So it really kind of opened my eyes to the possibilities of what can be achieved by going into some sort of skilled trade. When I heard about the electrical apprentice program, it sparked my interest immediately. How do you spend your time in the program? I actually have an internship with Nucor Arkansas, I’m an electrical maintenance intern over there. I go to school two days a week and I’ll work three days a week. As I gain electrical knowledge at school I get to apply it out at work. How long is the program? I’ve just finished my third semester and am going into my fourth semester, which is going to be my last. What’s your next step after that? Every semester in this internship you rotate to a different department in Nucor. It’s all maintenance but it’s a different area of the process. I just applied for a job where I’m currently at and they said they’re going to have a spot open for me after the internship. If you were asked by your alma mater to talk about careers, what would you tell students about things they should be doing in high school to prepare for their future? Funny enough, I just did that this week for a group of seniors and juniors. They wanted to know more about the internship and what my job entailed. I told them there’s all this opportunity out there, but it all starts here [in high school]. You need to develop that work ethic, you need to learn how to apply yourself. There’s GPA requirements to get into the internship program so make sure you have that GPA up. Focus. The earlier you get a grasp on that concept the easier it will be for you to walk in and be able to impress people. Every day is an interview.

HOMETOWN:

Gosnell

PROFESSION:

Student, steel technology

HOW MUCH CAN I MAKE? HIGHER RANGE WAGES (TOP 10%)

$55,010annually $26.45per hour MIDDLE RANGE WAGES (MEDIAN)

$44,530 annually $21.41 per hour LOWER RANGE WAGES (BOTTOM 10%)

$29,610 annually $14.24 per hour

IDEAL WORKER SKILLS Familiar with production/ processing methods Math skills Troubleshooting/diagnosis

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NORTHWEST ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Innovative new programs serve booming market

ith Arkansas’s mountain biking trails continuing to attract riders from all over the United States, the state has grown its own job categories to service them, from trails development to bike maintenance. One college, NorthWest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville, has taken up the challenge of providing the workforce of the future by rolling out two new programs aimed at producing bicycle technicians and trail technician to serve growing market demand. “The Trails training program, developed in collab-

oration with industry experts and local stakeholders, aims to equip students with the specialized skills and knowledge required to design, build, and maintain trails, ensuring sustainable and enjoyable outdoor experiences for the community. ,” said Wendy Taylor, Marketing and Outreach for NWACC Trails and Trades. The college’s trail technician program teaches students the essential skills and techniques required to create and maintain well-designed, safe and sustainable mountain bike trails. Coursework includes instruction on trail construction, maintenance and the principles

of conservation and results in either a certificate of proficiency or technical certificate. At their option, students can then apply their earned course credits toward an associate degree in general technology, which in turn can easily transfer to Arkansas Tech University in Russellville and be applied toward a bachelor of arts degree in organizational leadership. The bicycle assembly and repair technician curriculum award a technical certificate in bicycle assembly and repair by teaching students the skills to work with bicycle mechanics, wheel repair and assembly, bear-

Energy That’s Always On. A Team That’s Always On It.

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BLUEPRINT | 2024 | ARKANSAS TIMES

NorthWest Arkansas Community College One College Drive Bentonville, AR nwacc.edu

JUANA BROWN AGE:

54 ARKANSAS NORTHEAST COLLEGE

ing and suspension systems, service department operations, electric bikes and more. It also can easily lead to an associate degree and then a bachelor’s degree, at the student’s option, through the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith. The trails program offers two proficiency certificates that can be earned in a semester and two technical certificates that take two semesters each, as can the bicycle technician certificate. Taylor said the new programs offer several advantages that enhance learning and set students up for success. These include combining classroom instruction with hand-on, field-based learning experiences. The trails program works on real trail projects in collaboration with local parks, conservation organizations, nonprofits, private trail companies and recreational facilities. These ongoing partnerships help ensure the curriculum subject matter stays current. “Our curriculum has been meticulously crafted to address the specific needs of the outdoor recreation industry,” she said. “Bentonville is the mountain biking capital of the world and therefore the instruction we provide has to follow suit. “As northwest Arkansas continues to grow as a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, our educational programs will align with the region’s commitment to sustainable outdoor recreation. NWACC graduates will play a vital role in enhancing the outdoor industry while preserving the area’s natural beauty.” n

What led you to want to go back and learn a trade? I have been doing hair since I was 9 years old; I owned a cosmetology school. Well, when COVID came we had to close down and I lost almost everything. I wanted to do something that no matter what happened in the economy I would still be able to be employed. So, after checking everything out, I said, “I can’t get anybody to work on my [AC] unit because it’s small. OK, I’ll learn that.” Did you have any trade skills or technical skills? This was all brand new. I didn’t even know what a fill-in-the-what was or a relay. I didn’t know what the three prongs meant on a plug. I didn’t know anything. I just said, “OK, I’m jumping in.” Is this a two-year program? No, it’s actually a one-year program. I just completed my first semester. How intimidating was it to take on something like this? I went in with an open mind, willing to accept whatever came my way. People said, “Well you’re going to have to climb ladders. You’re gonna have to crawl under the house.” I said, “OK. I’ve never done it before but let’s try it and let’s see what happens.” I love my instructor. He’s very hands-on. If you ask him any question, he’s going to answer it for you. He even went so far as putting everything on a flash drive for me. I sit in the front of the class and I have questions. I have a digital recorder. I want to know what I’m doing.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Are there any other women in your class? I’m the only female and I’m the oldest one in the class. These young people have so much of the background in HVAC and I don’t. But you know what? I’m not in here for them. I’m in here for me. What’s your advice to someone whose life has thrown them a curveball, especially if they’re a little older? First of all, you have to trust God. You have to trust him that he’s going to bring you into whatever it is that you need. Then you have to make a plan. You have to say, “OK, what do I want to do? What do I think about the future?” Create your plan and then just go. Don’t listen to the naysayers. It’s not about them, it’s about you and your life.

HOMETOWN:

Mami, Fla.

PROFESSION:

HVAC student, Arkansas Northeastern College

HOW MUCH CAN I MAKE? HIGHER RANGE WAGES (TOP 10%)

$63,360annually $30.46per hour MIDDLE RANGE WAGES (MEDIAN)

$45,750 annually $21.99 per hour

LOWER RANGE WAGES (BOTTOM 10%)

$30,830 annually $14.82 per hour

IDEAL WORKER SKILLS Active listening / communication

Refined customer service skills Critical thinking/ troubleshooting

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BLUEPRINT | 2024 | ARKANSAS TIMES

YOUR GUIDE TO ALL CAREERS TECH

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TECH FRONTIERS

Three Arkansas companies working for a higher purpose. DEMOCRATIZING HEALTHCARE/ UAMS Institute for Digital Health

LOOKING BACK, IT’S easy to see how Dr. Joseph Sanford was preordained to be on the forefront of marrying medical care with technology. Before he even arrived at UAMS for medical school, he’d already earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Arkansas. Coupling his primary specialty in anesthesiology with clinical informatics,

he had, in his words, “merged my entrepreneurial interests, my tech interests, and my healthcare interest to create massive value adds for the healthcare system.” Sanford quickly gravitated to the forefront of digital health and clinical informatics initiatives. He ascended to the directorship of the UAMS Institute for Digital Health in 2020, the year that COVID began pouring octane into the engine of innovation and driving distance medicine and other technical

advancements forward. Today, UAMS supports a robust distance-medicine program, the strongest symbiosis yet between the technological and medical sciences. “Our virtual medicine programs are designed so you can see a UAMS physician from anywhere in the state,” Sanford says. “We have patients who may have to drive three and a half hours one way to come see a specialist, spending a whole day for a one-hour appointment. We wanted to reduce that difficulty and complexity so every Arkansan, no matter where they live, can access the care they need in the best way they can.” While not a new concept, UAMS’ distance-medicine option had been largely overlooked as a delivery system, something that changed dramatically in 2020. “The impact of the pandemic was profoundly important,” Sanford says. “It required us to change the way we thought about being able to deliver healthcare safely and effectively. Previously, telemedicine compensation made it a very uninteresting space to provide healthcare. During the pandemic, we transitioned from a modest presence in telemedicine as

programs are designed

so you can see a UAMS physician from anywhere in the state.”

— Dr. Joseph Sanford

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“Our virtual medicine

a percentage of our total patient care volume to a very high number. We’ve probably crossed 300,000 telemedicine visits at this point, it’s just a routine part of what we do.” Technological innovation isn’t limited to medical services delivery. Sanford also works with employees who’ve come up with ideas for new products or services. The Institute works closely with Bioventures, another University department dealing in patents and helping faculty inventors in sussing out the world of startups or aligning with existing companies. Sanford says that operating at the crossroads of medicine and tech is enormously rewarding. It also reinforces daily the need for more individuals with tech backgrounds to operate in the healthcare industry, developing new concepts into tangible tools. “It’s basic customer discovery,” he says. “You think you have a problem—how do you validate the problem? How do you look for confirming evidence knowing everyone’s going to come with a bias in what they want this solution to be, versus what they need it to be. We talk about data flow and data strains even if it’s for a mechanical device. How does data flow from the most upstream location—where the core problem is—to downstream locations where it actually touches the patient?” Sanford stops short of calling himself a technician first and a physician second, and he isn’t ready to completely upset the apple cart of hands-on medicine in favor of an all-digital version. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for continued technical refinement to expand what care can be done effectively from a distance. “There will always be things that we have to do a physical exam for,” he says. “I can’t do certain things I need to do as a physician to diagnose and treat you without seeing you in person. But the number of those kinds of things is shrinking every year. We have digital stethoscopes, good digital temponometers, good thermometers, scales, blood pressure cuffs. Many diabetic patients are being managed

“Where we provide the most value is in helping farmers grow, improving the world we’re living in, and bringing investment dollars to rural America.” — Carter Malloy

very effectively today using digital glucometers and glucose delivery implants. “I think the ultimate goal of this is as a tool to help democratize care. Most people have access to a smartphone or computer with a webcam and microphone, and that will truly become ubiquitous in the next ten years. Once we can assume that technological infrastructure, we’ll be able to provide patients access to care in a much timelier fashion, in ways that are more convenient for them while maintaining really high quality.”

PARTNERING WITH FARMERS/ AcreTrader

IN THE PAST, investing in farmland was a complicated and time- and capital-intensive proposition, from vetting potential properties to the ongoing farm management that ensured tenants were maximizing crop production. But now comes AcreTrader, launched in 2019—a new and revolutionary way for people to invest in agricultural properties while at the same time benefiting the farmers working the land. For Carter Malloy, moving back to Arkansas to start AcreTrader was more than a good business decision. “I was living in San Francisco at the time I

decided to found the company, and had been dying to move back home,” he says. “As weird as it sounds to move from Silicon Valley to Arkansas to launch a tech startup, that thesis still holds today. We’re closer to our customers, there’s a pool of really great talent here, and they’re not jumping ship every three weeks to go to the next new thing across the street. There are better opportunities for employment engagement and retention here.” At this, the Stuttgart native stops and grins. “The quick and easy answer to ‘Why Arkansas?’ is, because I love it here.” AcreTrader takes a lot of the heavy lifting out of investing in farmland by carefully screening potential parcels. Once this data is made available to investors, AcreTrader streamlines how they can purchase shares in farming operations using a proprietary investment dashboard. “It’s pretty straightforward, bringing people together at scale through an online platform,” Malloy says. “The investor wins because they get access to a phenomenally interesting, albeit a rather esoteric, asset class. We, as a platform in the middle, provide the scalable technology that helps investors diversify their portfolios.” Where the company lives up to the “tech for good” label is in the benefits it provides to farmers. When investors buy shares, the money generated supplies

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courses online. I love working with those brilliant people who study and figure things out on their own.” Malloy also likes the idea of AcreTrader serving as a jumping-off point for employees looking to launch their own dream ventures. “We had a lot of people help us when we started,” he says, “and we’ve got to remember we’re here to help others grow as well. There’s three million people in this state, a lot of really amazing people, and there’s room for them to venture out into this world of business-building too. In Northwest Arkansas we’re still in our first days, and it’s really cool to see lots of new companies springing up and beginning to get funding. I’m really eager for our business to be able to play a part in that.”

BACKPACKING YOUR CHECKUP/ NOWDiagnostics

IMAGINE YOU’RE A health worker hiking into a remote part of the African desert or the Brazilian rainforest, or even a poor stretch of the Arkansas Ozarks where healthcare services are scarce, if the locals can afford them at all. Now imagine gathering the village, tribe, or household together and revealing that you’ve brought—in your backpack—an entire diagnostic lab with you,

“Our mission statement is pretty clear. Our mission is to be able to provide laboratory-quality results in a format that anyone can do and at a price point that everyone can afford. That’s really what we pushed toward.” — Kevin Clark

BLUEPRINT | 2024 | ARKANSAS TIMES

capable of testing the entire community and returning the results in minutes. Now multiply that mobile-testing equipment a hundredfold but keep the same backpack, and you’ve got the idea of the revolutionary new medical technology developed by NOWDiagnostics, based in Springdale. “Our mission statement is pretty clear,” says Kevin Clark, company co-founder and chief science officer. “Our mission is to be able to provide laboratory-quality results in a format that anyone can do and at a price point that everyone can afford. That’s really what we pushed toward.” NOWDiagnotics’ testing device is a self-contained engineering marvel. The unit, which is slightly larger than a jumbo paper clip, works off a finger stick (a saliva-based tester is in the works). The device sucks a drop of blood into a central chamber where a stack of membranes separates the cellular constituents from the blood plasma. In a matter of minutes, an indicator appears, denoting positive or negative for whatever condition that model is calibrated to detect. “Our technology allows us to have entire categories of products,” Clark says, “whether it’s sexually transmitted infections or food intolerance—or even a category that we would call Dr. Mom, covering things like influenza, strep, mono, and pink eye. It allows Dr. Mom to run a home test on the kids for, say, strep throat, so she can make a timely, intelligent decision as to whether or not she needs to get the kids into the healthcare system.” NOWDiagnostic claims that its product is an improvement over existing testing protocols and procedures on several levels. “There are five key aspects of why our tests are better,” says Jim Haworth, executive chairman. “Number one, they’re highly accurate from a results standpoint. Number two, there’s no reagents, no additives that you have to go after. Number three is the simplicity—it’s just touch-to-test. Number four is the timeliness—you’re going to have test results in 10 to 15 minutes. And number five, it’s available © BILLIONPHOTOS.COM - STOCK.ADOBE.COM / FOR ILLUSTRATION ONLY,

growers with a source of capital for equipment and other expenses, funds that might be hard to get through traditional lenders. Landowners can also maintain a lease-back arrangement, which allows them to retain an ownership stake in their farm while opening up other acres to shareholders. “The farmer needs money, the investor has money, we create a win-win situation,” Malloy says. “All of our work is done in partnership with farmers, connecting them to the capital to grow their business and offering a financing solution for them to ultimately be able to pick up more land to farm. Where we provide the most value is in helping farmers grow, improving the world we’re living in, and bringing investment dollars to rural America.” Malloy takes the same view of the impact AcreTrader has had on Arkansas’ tech community. Having quickly grown to employ 120 people, the company has generated the kind of positive press that shines a spotlight on what’s happening in Arkansas. “It’s unfortunate that so many people who don’t live here in Arkansas, or in other so-called flyover states, assume that talent and brilliance is distributed only coastally,” Malloy says. “I love employees who just go figure it out, and we have plenty of folks here with no college degree—people who, in high school, started taking

at a price that’s relatively low.” These product improvements notwithstanding, NOWDiagnostic got a major boost from COVID, as one might expect. Combined, these factors have propelled the company’s tester into domestic and international markets with even more distribution to come. “The product is approved for laboratory use, and then we’ve got what’s called a point-of-care approval for one of our tests, which means a technician, nurse, or even a pharmacy tech can run the test,” Haworth says. “Our goal is ultimately to get them all to the over-the-counter market. We’re already selling those in Europe direct to the consumer via Amazon, as well as through pharmacies and other retailers.” The substantial growth potential for the product means NOWDiagnostic is adding employees in just about any technical specialty you could think of. “We’ve attracted great candidates locally,” Clark says, “tons of kids coming out of the University of Arkansas with great science backgrounds, whether it’s cell or molecular biology or chemical engineering or electrical engineering or biomedical engineering. All across the board, every level, anybody interested in technology, we’ve got positions. We’ve got team members from the Ph.D. level all the way to interns who are still in high school.” So far, the firm hasn’t hurt for applicants, and Clark says the company’s focus on producing technology that serves the greater good has been a powerful draw for prospective employees. “When we started the company in 2013, we had 10 slots for scientists,” he says. “We got 200 applicants in two days. Being able to tell what we’re doing and how it’s going to impact the world—changing health care, driving it closer to the consumer—is huge to the kids nowadays. It’s a huge motivation to everybody to realize something they’re doing at work is going to change the world.” n

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ARKANSAS CODING ACADEMY Where tech journeys begin BY DWAIN HEBDA

SHAWN ROGOFF didn't set out to have a career in tech, but once enrolled in the pre-pharmacy program at the University of Central Arkansas, he made a stunning discovery. “I hated chemistry,” he says. “I pivoted to nursing, but right before I started nursing school, I got offered a job as a CAD designer for a local jewelry store and I actually did that for nine years.” Intrigued by coding, Rogoff eventually enrolled in the Arkansas Coding Academy at UCA; he got a job offer within days of completing the program. He’s now a software developer at Mainstream Technologies in Little Rock. “The cool thing about the Coding Academy is they teach us a lot, but it’s also a good stamp of approval of what the student can do,” he says. “It changes the mentality of companies to where they are more comfortable hiring somebody who doesn’t have a degree.” Rogoff is one of a hundred such success stories, people who have radically changed their professional lives and earning power through ACA’s program. “We get kids out of high school who don’t go to college, we get a lot of career changers—we‘ve seen a lot of teachers and nurses,” says Alison Wish, director. “We also get a lot of blue-collar workers who say, ‘My body can’t do this job forever, and I’ve always been interested in tech.’ We get a variety.” Arkansas Coding Academy launched in 2016, opening the door to new careers for its students while helping the state’s business community fill tech jobs across a variety of market segments. “We’ve really grown over the last couple of years,” Wish says. “We have our full-site program, which trains people to be full-site developers learning everything from front-end interface to the magic that goes on behind the scenes, tying it all together and getting it out on the web. We’ve also

added smaller sections like a SQL bootcamp and a front-end development bootcamp in Python. So if you’re not sure if this is for you, you can test the waters and take a smaller three-week or three-month class to try it out and see if it’s something you like.” The academy’s six-month bootcamps meet several evenings a week and on Saturday, and include a capstone program. There’s no prerequisite required and classes are kept small to ensure students get maximum attention. There’s also career advisory services for sharpening interview and soft skills, as well as networking opportunities with tech companies in the state. Zach Callahan came to Arkansas Coding Academy after getting burned out on retail management. At ACA’s Demo Day, recruiters for First

Alison Wish

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Orion snagged him and he now works in R&D for the North Little Rock technology company. “Overall, work-life balance is night-and-day different, for the better,” he says. “Also, at First Orion I felt like I was heard almost immediately. They don’t always say, ‘Okay, we’re going to do it that way,’ but they listen to me, accept my feedback, and some of my suggestions have been implemented.” ACA students have also collaborated on real-world projects for companies and organizations. Matt Gwartney and Jesse Chase teamed up with a third-year occupational therapy student at UCA to create a communications platform for use by pediatric therapy teams. “What we ended up with allows a therapist to log on and communicate with the parents of patients,” says Chase, who now works for Zelis. “And it allows parents to log on and see the communication from the therapist and pose their questions all in one place.” “It was really fun,” says Gwartney, now with Shiloh Technologies. “It was great to be able to stretch in a lot of ways, learning things ourselves and then pushing further into our tech journey by collaborating with somebody else and turning an idea into a reality.” Alison Wish says that such win-win interactions are at the core of what ACA was created to do. “We do a really good job of working with our students to figure out their career goals and where they want to go from here,” she says. “We try to keep them in Arkansas, because there are so many great companies here. We prepare people to change careers, and then they go out and get these amazing jobs that they love. That’s the good we do; we change lives on a daily basis, and that’s really cool.” n

A PARENT’S GUIDE TO IT CAREERS

If you think your child’s future lies with the local fast-food outlets, here are a few reasons to think again BY THE ACDS TEAM

A PROFESSOR WE KNOW was on a college recruiting ticeships, which are a key part of ACDS’s work. In the There’s room for everyone: High school grads, English visit to a medium-size Arkansas city when the mother three-plus years since our first apprenticeship cohort, majors, business students, graphic designers—everyone’s of an 18-year-old daughter approached him with an ACDS has helped more than 100 Arkansas employers welcome. Here’s Lonnie Emard again: “Whether you’re unforgettable request. “Please tell my daughter there’s engage some 400 apprentices in a variety of fields. “Coma computer science student or not, a college student no career future in being a mathematics major,” she panies have had time to see how well the apprenticeship or not, a parent, a career changer, a veteran, a minority said. The professor, a physicist who also oversees his model works,” says Lonnie Emard, ACDS’ apprenticeship or rural worker, or someone who hasn’t yet found your university’s engineering department, launched into a director, “and I think the breakthrough is with the HR path—whoever you are, if you live and work in Arkanpolite but pointed 10-minute litany of all the tech careers departments, who used to only consider people with sas, or you want to live and work in Arkansas, there’s in which math skills are a plus, if not a requirement. four-year degrees. But today they need so much tech a place for you in IT. And don’t think this is just about This woman’s daughter had grown up with computtalent that they’re saying, ‘Hey, we’ve got to start doing young people and entry-level jobs. In the apprentices ers and technology, and she and her generation now some things differently.’ And we at ACDS have shown ACDS has placed with Arkansas employers, we have lived in a different world than the one their parents that we can bring them high-quality people who, even folks who are 20 and folks who are 56.” inhabited. “From that experience,” said It’s the future—we’re not going back: our professor friend, “I learned that it’s Take a look at some of the other features not enough to educate the students. in this issue of ITArkansas—the report We need to educate their parents too.” on the state-of-the-art steel mill going The world is quickly becoming Here are a handful of reasons for up in Northeast Arkansas, for example, transformed by technology, and every you parents to get behind your young or the initiative to make Arkansas a person’s foray into IT careers. Heck, leader in next-generation mobility, such business is increasingly dependent you may even decide to get onboard as electric cars, or the career goals of upon the tech talent it employs. yourselves—“upskilling” isn’t a major some of our state’s smartest young tech trend in the working world today for wizards. Anyone who doesn’t embrace nothing! technology to some degree is going to The breadth and depth of IT careers: find themselves increasingly left out of It’s not just coding, not just data analytics, the conversation—and the opportunity. not just computer programming, not In our experience speaking to young even just the technology industry itself. people and their parents about IT caIt’s banking, retail, consumer goods, reers, one of the parental questions that healthcare, education, manufacturing, comes up most often is, “How smart hospitality, travel, communications, do they have to be?” It’s an almost legal, engineering—you name it. The unanswerable question, because how world is quickly becoming transformed do you define smart? But most parents by technology, and every business is these days have never had jobs in IT, increasingly dependent upon the tech so this is such unfamiliar territory to talent it employs. Even your local farmers now rely though they don’t already have the tech skills, can be them that they don’t really know how to guide their on technology. “You might think my tractor is just a taught the necessary skills—and we’ve proven that we son or daughter. They imagine IT and “technology” to tractor,” a farmer told us in an interview. “You would can do the teaching. We’re even starting to work with require such a high level of intelligence that it’s going be wrong. My tractor is now a computer on wheels.” some of our state’s largest employers—organizations to be a barrier for their child to get into it. Tech work can often be done remotely: One of that aren’t used to looking at the types of individuals Our response to that question is, “This isn’t even the great benefits of working in IT is the workplace that we’re bringing to the table.” about intelligence, it’s about learning style and aptiflexibility. Post-COVID, more and more companies It pays very well: While starting salaries vary by tude.” There are so many varieties of occupations in IT. are adopting a “hybrid” policy, meaning that today’s company and occupation, Arkansas IT apprentices age It’s not all about writing code or being an operations employees have the best of both worlds: in the office 24-39 have started at salaries ranging from $32,000 to specialist on some kind of hardware. It’s not all about some days, working from home others. And because over $100,000, with average wage increases at 17%. Here’s math! In our work, we focus on 26 different occupations IT work is all done electronically, a company’s IT work a quick look at the average wage-increase percentage in which creativity, design, big-picture thinking, comcan be done from anywhere. That’s why there are tech across eight different IT occupations for Registered munications skills, and other “soft” aptitudes are at people throughout Arkansas working for companies Apprentices: Software Developer–26%; IT Business the heart of the work. So even if technology isn’t your all over the state—and even across the country—while Analyst–4.5%; Computer Programmer–17%; Computer child’s strong suit, that doesn’t mean there’s no place enjoying the benefits of living at home. Systems Analyst–10%; Cybersecurity Specialist–21%; IT for him or her in IT. Offering fulltime, paying positions while still learning Generalist–10%; IT Project Manager–7%; Management Have questions? Want to know more? Get in touch the job: This is the advantage of Registered IT ApprenSystems Auditor–10%. with us at www.acds.co and let us tell you all about it. n BLUEPRINT | 2024 | arktimes.com 21

UNLOCK THE CODE TO SUCCESS: TRANSFORM YOUR CAREER TODAY!

SOUTHERN ARKANSAS’ NEXT BOOM?

Lithium is looking like the new black gold EL DORADO, ARKANSAS, is no stranger to the fortunes that lie just under its feet. A century ago, oil was discovered and millionaires were made overnight. Today, the promise of lithium hits the same prospector pitch as black gold once did, and as a major extractor sets up here, it does so with an even more tantalizing promise—green mining practices. State and federal officials are crowding the dais with platitudes for what this means to the state. At the center of the new boom is Vancouver-based Standard Lithium. In March, three years after conducting a virtual ribbon cutting of its LiSTR Direct Lithium Extraction Technology Demonstration Plant, the company started drilling in Lafayette County with the purpose of gathering data for a preliminary feasibility study toward building a commercial plant that would pull lithium from underground brine in the Smackover geological formation. Lithium is a light, soft metal commonly used in batteries, making them lighter than alkaline models. The spike in demand, however, lies with the automotive industry: Lithium is a central element in batteries for electric vehicles, which led the U.S. government to place the substance on its list of critical minerals last year. Future demand is expected to skyrocket. The Department of Energy’s National Blueprint for Lithium Batteries 20212030 projects growth of five to 10 times current levels over the next 10 years, while the Lithium Industry Association forecasted global demand would spike from 292,000 metric tons to 2.5 million metric tons by 2030. Lithium mining grows on the back of bromine production. Used in plastics and pharmaceuticals, bromine has been a stronger and more prolific, if less sexy, industry in the South Arkansas region for decades. Bromine is extracted from brine pulled from the earth, a by-product of which is known as tail brine. From that, lithium chloride is extracted, then subjected to reverse osmosis and mechanical vapor recompression to further purify and concentrate the mineral. The system is far greener than traditional harvesting of lithium found in other parts of the U.S., tactics that employ open-pit mining and sulfuric acid. Standard Lithium is focusing its initial efforts on decommissioned oil wells in the area as the start of what officials call a systematic drilling program, also to include new wells in southern Arkansas examining a variety of geologic formations while giving officials a glimpse of how to optimize well design and placement. n 22

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THE NEXT TONY STARK?

Despite their young age, these future tech stars already know how they want to improve the world with their talents. DWAIN HEBDA SENIOR EDITOR, ITARKANSAS MAGAZINE JUST AS TECHNOLOGY is ever-evolving, so too are the tech geniuses who help harness it to make our lives easier, more productive and fun. We went in search of the next generation of tech talent growing up in the state to see how they got their start and what captivates them about the technology field. Our search led us to The Academies of Central Arkansas, an initiative of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the four public school districts across Pulaski County. Established in 2019, the Academies utilize the Ford Next Generation Learning Model, which transforms the public high school experience by blending core academics with career and technical education. “These unique curriculums engage students by teaching math, science, English and social studies and their relevance to an occupation or industry theme that interests them,” says Markous Jewett, vice president, Academies of Central Arkansas at the Little Rock Regional Chamber. “This model connects scholars’ learning with real-world applications, preparing them not only for college, but for career and life.” The Academies of Central Arkansas are located in public

high schools throughout the Jacksonville North Pulaski, Little Rock, North Little Rock and Pulaski County Special School districts. They include Jacksonville High School in Jacksonville, Sylvan Hills High School in Sherwood, Maumelle High School in Maumelle, and North Little Rock High School and North Little Rock Center of Excellence in North Little Rock. Participating Little Rock institutions include Joe T. Robinson, Hall STEAM Magnet, Parkview Arts & Science Magnet, West High School of Innovation, Southwest Magnet and Mills University Studies. The impressive technical curriculums at the academies are giving the next generation of tech talent a running start on innovation and early career development. We’ve profiled a few of these outstanding young scholars here. Just like Tony Stark, Marvel Comics’ genius who harnesses STEM fields to champion justice as the Superhero Iron Man, these gifted young technology enthusiasts are on a path to improve their own communities, right here in The Natural State. Editor’s Note: A longer version of this article was originally prepared for the print edition of ITArkansas Magazine.

DAVID EVATT, 18

Senior, Maumelle High School Tech Focus: Coding, Robotics Future Plans: App Development, Game Design TECHNOLOGY HAS ALWAYS come naturally to David Evatt. The Maumelle native got into it through gaming and has taken to tech like a fish to water ever since. But before he landed in his school’s technology curriculum, he was on his own to develop his skill set. “I didn’t fully take an interest until about sixth grade, when I was playing a game one day and I thought it would be really fun to learn what’s behind everything,” he says. “That’s when I really wanted to delve into programming. Sixth through eighth grade I pretty much just had to wing it and look up stuff through YouTube, articles or going to the library. Once I hit ninth grade, I could actually take the programming classes that our school offered.” Evatt’s comfort level with programming and technology has come from endless hours honing his knowledge and perfecting his craft. “Overall, I’d say things came naturally to me,” he says. “In our programming course, they gave you all your work for the unit and you could do it at your own pace. Each thing had a deadline, and normally I’d be about a month or two ahead. I’ve just always just been drawn to coding. It’s fun to type a few hundred lines of code and the computer does whatever you are trying to make it do.” Evatt says it’s not just the things that have turned out well that have taught him about his chosen field; setbacks and failures have been just as instructive, if not more so. “I’ve participated in the robotics team and that taught me not everything is going to go as planned,” he says. “I programmed one of the robots which went horribly, because I had to wait for a few months before the robot was even built and I got it last minute. I didn’t have a whole lot of time to test the program that I had made. Programming in general has taught me a lot about problem-solving. It’s shown me how to break things into smaller steps. Like, this is the overall thing we’re trying to do, but we need to do this, this and this to get to that point.” As for the next generation of students, Evatt’s best advice is to embrace all aspects of the process. “Things probably are not going to work on the first try, and if it does, double-check,” he says. “Programming is probably not going to be as easy as you think it is. I thought the app I made was going to be super-easy, and it turned out there was a lot of stuff that I still had to learn.” 24

BLUEPRINT | 2024 | ARKANSAS TIMES

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ISAIAH KELSO, 16

KRISH PATEL, 17

Junior, Little Rock Southwest Magnet High School Tech Focus: Computer-Aided Design, Robotics, A/V Production Future Plans: Computer Science

Junior, Joe T. Robinson High School, Little Rock Tech Focus: Computer Science, Robotics Future Plans: Software Engineering

HIGH SCHOOL HASN’T taught Isaiah Kelso everything he knows about technology, but it’s close. Kelso spent part of his growing up in Memphis and says there’s no comparison between there and Arkansas when it comes to tech education. “There were opportunities in the schools I went to in Memphis,” he says, “but they definitely weren’t as abundant as here at Southwest. They weren’t as centered for the students. You had to really look for things if you wanted to get involved.” Lacking academic opportunities, Kelso pursued his interest in computers and technology on his own. “My earliest interest in technology would probably be the electronic toys that I had,” he says. “I would take them apart and see how they worked so I could understand how they operated and what I could do to replicate. I also had a computer that I regularly modified, and I gained a lot of knowledge on what I’m doing and how to do it correctly. I definitely used YouTube a lot as a resource.” Once he arrived at Little Rock Southwest Magnet, Kelso found plenty to satisfy his voracious appetite for all things tech. He credits the school for stretching his creativity and skill when it comes to exploring new areas of technology. “Freshman year I got into a programming class, which I had a lot of interest in because I wanted to learn how to code,” he says. “Sophomore year, I have drafting and design, robotics and A/V production. I spend my time in a lot of different fields in technology trying to develop my knowledge. “They all have a learning curve to them. Before I studied A/V, I didn’t have any idea how to work a camera. Same thing with robotics; I’ve taken things apart on my own time, but I’d never been in an environment where I had all the parts laid out for me and I could choose what I wanted to build, dismantle, or make.” Kelso says these experiences have taught him valuable lessons about the problem-solving process and how it can be accomplished through a combination of scientific fact and targeted creativity. “All of my classes, and especially drafting and design, you sit there with a blank slate and you have to figure out how you want to articulate what’s in front of you and create something,” he says. “A lot of people look at daily technology and they just take it for what’s in front of them. I like that it’s an academic pathway that lets me further my understanding of how tech works and how to utilize it to be successful.”

THERE’S NEVER BEEN a time when Krish Patel didn’t have an interest in technology. “It started when I was little, before pre-K or kindergarten, when my parents got me a tablet,” Patel says. “That sparked an interest in how those things work. After that, my parents put me in my first robotics program in elementary school, which consisted of the basic start of robotics. That led me into my middle school years when I joined the robotics team.” Patel also participated in the EAST program; EAST stands for Environmental and Spatial Technology and is an educational program combining elements of technology education, collaborative teamwork, and service learning — while stressing student engagement. “I took EAST in sixth and seventh grade, and I did robotics throughout middle school,” Patel says. “Leading into high school they gave me more classes in computer science, which I’m in right now. This class is helping me prepare for my career — I want to be a software engineer. I’ve done my research and discovered that computer-science classes early on will help me further my career though college and after college, too.” In addition to classroom instruction and activities, Patel credits Joe T. Robinson for its method of connecting the dots between coursework and careers. “I’ve been an ambassador here in the NGL Ford program — that’s when you can start taking different career paths,” Patel says. “You can go the IT way that I’m going, or you can go into business, or medical, or something else. My school is invested in my future and how my career path leads me to greater success later on in my life.” Mentorship has also been a big part of Patel’s high school experience. “My counselor and I have a bond, because I’ve always been curious about what classes to take and how it’s going to help my future,” he says. In that same spirit of mentoring, Patel would advise younger students interested in technology to take advantage of classes and activities at a young age and strive to learn everything they can. “I would first tell them to focus on your fundamentals,” Patel says. “Figure out the classes that you think will help you with what you think you’re going to do later on in life, and take those classes specifically. I believe it’s all about the fundamentals. Without a good base, everything else won’t make sense, which will lead to failure.”

BLUEPRINT | 2024 | ARKANSAS TIMES

You are not the darkness you endured. You are the light that refused to surrender. John Mark Green

TYLER GREEN, 18

Senior, North Little Rock Center of Excellence Tech Focus: Computer Science, Robotics Future Plans: Mechanical Engineering/Electrical Engineering WHEN TYLER GREEN reported for the first day of class his freshman year at North Little Rock High School, he didn’t know the “school within a school” called Center of Excellence even existed. But it didn’t take him long to discover and gravitate toward the COE’s programs, which fed an interest he’d held in STEM fields since elementary school. “There are, historically, a lot of misconceptions about the Center of Excellence and what it is as a school,” Green says. “To be honest, I probably wouldn’t have learned about it without knowing people who are in the COE and talking with them and learning what it is and how beneficial it can really be. The Center of Excellence fosters career-based learning with STEM-related and technology-related curriculum, which was exactly what I was looking for. I quickly came to the conclusion to switch over to COE before the end of my first semester of my ninth-grade year.” Since then, Green has stayed immersed in the school’s academic programs and extracurricular activities. He’s participated in EAST programs since middle school, is president of COE’s Technology Student Association, and has participated on the school’s robotics team. “We create robots to go and compete against other schools to solve certain challenges,” he says. “That’s been an amazing experience, both in the engineering design process and in the benefits I get from sharing with my friends and other people on my team.” Green has already set his sights on studying mechanical or electrical engineering in college. He says these fields provide him with a platform for introducing innovation to benefit society. “I want my job to involve the process of creation,” he says. “I just love making new things, whether that be new technology or new innovations in existing technology. I want to be creating things for the rest of my life and I want to use what I design to help people in the world.” Green is aiming high when it comes to his choice of colleges — Stanford and MIT are reportedly in the mix — but he says he can easily see the opportunity for happily living out his career in Arkansas. “When I was first coming up in middle school and elementary school, I was thinking, I’m going to have to leave and find employers elsewhere,” he says. “But after seeing how much the COE has shown me in terms of the local businesses that are here, I definitely could see myself staying in Arkansas and finding a life here to do what I would like to do.” n

Info@MethodistFamily.org 501-803-3388 MethodistFamily.org

BLUEPRINT | 2024 | arktimes.com 27

CENTRAL ARKANSAS BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION TRADES COUNCIL Heat and Frost Insulators Local 10 206 Ave Two SE Atkins, AR 72823 Jeramy McCoy, Business Agent (P) 479-307-1701 (F) 479-307-1702 (M) 479-641-0772 awl10@insulators.org 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 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

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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) 501-372-3601 (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 International Union of North America (LIUNA) Local 360 5 Colonial Square Clarksville, AR 72830 Tanif Crotts, Business Manager (P) 479-754-1015 (F) 479-647-3909 tanif.c@liunalocal360.com International Union Operating Engineers Local 624 202 Katie St. Richland, MS 39218 Brett Daniels, Business Agent (P) 501-422-8109 brett@iuoe624.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 (M) 501-772-6885 jmacftidc80@gmail.com www.iupatdc80.org Plasterers & Cement Masons Union Local 908 815 Enterprise Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 (P) 573-334-2729 (F) 573-334-5451 op908@clas.net

Plumbers & Pipefitters Union Local Union 155 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 Jim Shulte, Business Representative (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 Steve Gerone, Business Manager (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

Guide to Apprenticeship Programs for Technical Careers ELECTRICIAN

PLUMBER

ARKANSAS COLLEGE OF ELECTRICITY Rogers 479-636-2633

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

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

ARKANSAS NORTHEASTERN COLLEGE Blytheville 870-762-1020 ASU-HEBER SPRINGS ELECTRICAL PROGRAM Heber Springs 501-912-1433 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 870-312-4245 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

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

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

ALL

NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING FOUNDATION Arkadelphia 870-246-0320 UA FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Fayetteville 479-575-5050

RICH MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE/PLUMBING PROGRAM Mena 479-394-7622 SOUTH ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE/ PLUMBING PROGRAM El Dorado 870-864-7192 SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS PLUMBING/ ROGERS PLUMBING Monticello 870-793-5253 WHITE RIVER PLUMBING/BINGHAM ENTERPRISES Sulphur Rock 870-793-5253

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

BLUEPRINT | 2024 | arktimes.com 29

orkers in the forestry industry help maintain the health of forests while providing a critical resource for construction and consumer products. Logging crews work outside harvesting trees, while sawmill, and pulp plants process wood and wood byproducts into dimensional lumber, paper, cardboard, plywood and a range of other products.

WHAT DOES AN AGRI-TIMBER WORKER DO? • Management of forest resources • Harvesting of trees in an environmentally responsible manner • Processing wood into a variety of products at a mill or factory WHAT PRIMARY JOBS ARE THERE? • Logging equipment operator • Log graders and scaler WHAT RELATED JOBS ARE NEEDED IN THE FIELD OR AT A PLANT? • Computer programmer/coder (see Page 36) • Diesel tech (see Page 37) • Electricians (see Page 38) • Industrial maintenance worker (see Page 41) • Plumber (see Page 43) IDEAL WORKER • Likes to be outside • Safety-first mindset • Enjoys working in a team

JOB DEMAND • Logging grader and scaler — projected 6% increase • Logging equipment operator — projected 3% increase LEARN YOUR CRAFT • High school diploma, minimum • 1-12 months on-the-job training • College coursework in forestry/forest technology WHERE CAN I GO? Related college coursework in Arkansas can lead to a career in: • Surveying • Forest conservation • Natural resources management

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I MAKE?

Log Graders and Scaler • Lower range wages (bottom 10%)—

$25,840 annually/ $12.42 per hour

• Middle range wages (median) —

$35,800 annually/ $17.21 per hour

• Higher range wages (top 10%) —

$49,460 annually/ $23.78 per hour

Logging Equipment Operator • Lower range wages (bottom 10%)—

$28,530 annually/ $13.71 per hour

DID YOU KNOW America’s timber industry provides 2.5 million jobs through the supply chain. Logging and thinning helps reduce the risks of severe fires. Each person in the United States consumes approximately 675 pounds of paper a year.

HOW MUCH CAN

• Middle range wages (median) —

$43,170 annually/ $20.76 per hour

• Higher range wages (top 10%) —

$71,630 annually/ $34.44 per hour

id you ever notice how many people work in a hospital, clinic or your family doctor’s office? 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. Allied health is a broad category of careers within the health care field. The options are many — some say up to 60% of all jobs in the health care field are classified as allied health. Many of these positions do not require a four-year degree and that allows people to start a career quickly while commanding good pay and benefits. If you have an interest in the medical field, but don’t see yourself becoming a doctor or nurse, there’s probably a job waiting in the allied health field that’s got your name on it.

WHAT DO ALLIED HEALTH WORKERS DO? • Support staff, serving alongside doctors, dentists, behavioral health specialists and even veterinarians • In addition to hospitals and clinics, may work in the pharmacy, medical lab or rehabilitation room • Operate medical equipment that helps physicians and nurse practitioners diagnose injuries and illness IDEAL WORKER • Strong desire to help people and improve their health • Great communicator with highly refined people skills • Detail-oriented and thorough WHAT JOBS ARE THERE? There are literally hundreds of allied health care positions in the marketplace. Here are the top three jobs nationally according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in terms of demand over the next decade. Actual job demand varies by location, experience and employer: Home Health Aide • Assist patients in their home with a variety of health and wellness tasks • In additional to medical and personal care, tasks may include shopping or companionship • Some medical training is helpful, but generally no degree is required Physical Therapist • Help patients recover through physical movement in hospitals, clinics or in the home • Assist patient after surgery or injury; promote patient wellness by improving strength and balance • May require more schooling than other jobs on this list Medical Assistant • Assists doctors and nurses • Typically works in hospitals, clinics or doctors’ offices • Become certified in less than a year of college JOB DEMAND • Home health aide — projected 38% increase • Physical therapist — projected 36% increase • Medical assistant — projected 36% increase

LEARN YOUR CRAFT Ready to start your career NOW? The allied health field provides many rewarding careers that can move you from classroom to workplace — fast. The following is a sample of jobs that can typically be trained for in 12 months or less (Training periods listed are approximate; actual time to certify will vary): Phlebotomy Technician • Certification: About 2-6 months • Draw blood for medical tests • Once received in the lab, prepares blood sample for testing • Job is a good stepping-stone to other medical professions Certified Cardiac Monitor Technician • Certification: About 3-6 months • Perform cardiovascular tests using medical imaging equipment • Record results of cardiological tests, generate reports for doctors • Assist physicians during noninvasive cardiovascular procedures Neurodiagnostic Technologist (NDT) • Certification: About 12-18 months • Uses specialized equipment to record electrical activity in the body’s nervous system • Tests are used to diagnose and treat brain disease, stroke, seizure disorders and epilepsy • Can also help doctors diagnose cause of mental and behavioral disorders

DID YOU KNOW A primary reason for the explosive growth in health care positions is the aging of the American population. It is estimated that 10,000 people a day turn 65 in the U.S.; a pattern that will continue until the year 2030. By 2040, 80 million Americans will be over 65, four times as many people as were in this age group in 2000.

HOW MUCH CAN

I MAKE?

As a category, allied health roles pay very well. Here’s a list of the top three jobs nationally in terms of average pay, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Actual salaries will vary by location, experience and employer: Occupational Therapist

Median annual salary: $80,756 • Work with patients born with a condition or following a medical incident or accident • Help patients learn or relearn to perform everyday tasks • May work in a hospital, clinic or home setting

Audiologist

Median annual salary: $75,794 • Works with patients suffering from a variety of hearing issues • Helps treat patients of all ages, from children through seniors • Typically works in a clinic or as part of a larger health system

Orthotists and Prosthetists

Median annual salary: $72,336 • Work with patients who have lost limbs to illness, accident or birth defect • Create prosthetic devices to replace missing limbs; fit to individual patients • Support patients over time by replacing, repairing or adjusting prosthetics

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AVIATION TECHNICIANS

ne of the most in-demand technical careers out there, aviation technicians help keep aircraft in top condition and the flying public safe. The industry offers excellent pay and outstanding job growth in the coming years, and can be trained for in as little as two years of college.

WHAT DOES AN AVIATION TECHNICIAN DO? Perform a wide variety of duties on private and commercial aircraft including: • Inspections of aircraft systems • Repair or replace aircraft components • Install, diagnose and fix aircraft’s electronics/ navigation systems WHAT JOBS ARE THERE? Airframe • Perform inspections of aircraft frames, mechanical components and electrical systems • Test aircraft functions using diagnostic equipment • Repair or replace components using hand or power tools. Avionics • Responsible for all the electronics onboard an aircraft • Run cables, mount antennas and connect instruments for navigation • Test onboard equipment to ensure it’s working properly. WHAT RELATED JOBS ARE IN THIS FIELD? • Aviation 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 technicians are specialists focusing exclusively on aircraft’s various electronic systems IDEAL WORKER • Highly detailed • Complex problem-solver • Comfortable with electronics and computers

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JOB DEMAND • Aircraft mechanic and service technician — projected 13% increase • Avionics technician — projected 4% increase LEARN YOUR CRAFT • High school diploma followed by Federal Aviation Administration-approved college coursework, typically completed at a community college or specialized aviation technical school • Following training, individuals must pass an FAA certification exam to be able to work in this field • Continuing education is ongoing to help technicians stay on top of changing equipment and regulations.

DID YOU KNOW Worldwide sales of avionics for general aviation aircraft rose nearly 22% to more than $2.8 billion in 2022 over 2021 per the Aircraft Electronics Association. Boeing’s 2022–2041 Pilot and Technician Outlook predicts 610,000 new aviation technicians will be needed globally through 2041, about a third of which will be needed in the U.S.

WHERE CAN I GO? Aircraft technicians workplaces include fixed-base operations at airports servicing corporate jets and private planes, aircraft manufacturers and commercial airlines. 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 with greater earning power.

HOW MUCH CAN

I MAKE?

Aircraft Mechanic and Service Tech • Lower range wages (bottom 10%)—

$35,640 annually/ $17.14 per hour

• Middle range wages (median) —

$54,650 annually/ $26.27 per hour

• Higher range wages (top 10%) —

$79,310 annually/ $38.13 per hour

Avionics Technician • Lower range wages (bottom 10%)—

$40,980 annually/ $19.70 per hour*

• Middle range wages (median) —

$75,450 annually/ $36.27 per hour*

• Higher range wages (top 10%) —

$109,160 annually/ $52.48 per hour* * National figures

omputer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) are two manufacturing technologies used to make customized metal and plastic parts with computer-controlled machining. CAD/CAM work in such precise measurements, they are accurate to 1/1,000 of an inch, one-third the width of a human hair. This makes the systems particularly important in microelectronics, providing lower development costs for newer, smaller and more powerful devices in a much shorter time frame. In construction, CAD produces data-dense drawings of buildings, transforming physical blueprints into collaborative digital files that can break projects down all the way to their individual components.

WHAT DOES A CAD/CAM DRAFTER DO? In manufacturing applications, CAD and CAM are most effective working together. CAD provides the information-dense digital models that a CAM system needs to program manufacturing. CAM writes intuitive G-code that in turn makes CAD models real. In construction, CAD provides detailed drawings to exacting specifications, reducing miscalculations and costly do-overs. WHAT JOBS ARE THERE? CAD/CAM drafting includes a number of subspecialties, including: Architectural Drafter • Draw architectural and structural features of buildings for construction projects • May specialize in a specific category of building (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.) or by materials used (steel, wood, reinforced concrete, etc.) Civil Drafter • Work with engineering firms, highway construction firms or within city planning departments • Prepare maps used in municipal construction projects, such as highways and bridges Electrical Drafter • Prepare wiring diagrams for installation and repair of electrical equipment in power plants, residential and commercial buildings • Employed by a wide range of job fields including construction, electrical firms and manufacturers Electronics Drafter • Produce wiring diagrams for circuit boards • Produce layout drawings used in manufacturing and in installing and repairing electronic devices and components Mechanical Drafter • Prepare layouts detailing a wide variety of machinery, mechanical tools and devices • Employed in a wide variety of manufacturing companies

RELATED FIELDS Building Information Modeling — In construction applications, BIM drawings take CAD drafters’ work to the next level by adding a plethora of other data, including part- and material-based information, procurement, logistics, cost figures and operational budgets.

HOW MUCH CAN

I MAKE?

Architectural/Civil Drafters • Lower range wages (bottom 10%)—

$34,240 annually/ $16.46 per hour

• Middle range wages (median) —

$51,490 annually/ $24.76 per hour

• Higher range wages (top 10%) —

$70,310 annually/ $33.80 per hour

IDEAL WORKER • Precision thinker; creative problem-solver • Proficient in computers and mathematics • Knowledge of manufacturing, machinery or construction a plus JOB DEMAND • Architectural/civil drafters — projected 2% increase • Electrical/electronic drafters — projected 0% increase • Mechanical drafters — projected 0% increase LEARN YOUR CRAFT • High school graduates typically hold an associate degree in drafting • Training programs are generally easy to find among Arkansas’s two-year colleges • American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) offers certification for drafters in several specialties, which may increase hireability and boost pay

Electrical/Electronics Drafters • Lower range wages (bottom 10%)—

$37,970 annually/ $18.26 per hour

• Middle range wages (median) —

$61,750 annually/ $29.69 per hour

• Higher range wages (top 10%) —

$66,160 annually/ $31.81 per hour

Mechanical Drafters • Lower range wages (bottom 10%)—

$35,410 annually/ $17.03 per hour

• Middle range wages (median) —

$48,140 annually/ $23.15 per hour

DID YOU KNOW Introduced in the late 1960s, CAD/CAM continues to evolve today. New systems and software are more precise than ever, allowing for greater customization. The future will more widely incorporate artificial intelligence, virtual reality and cloud collaboration to boost efficiency and speed production.

• Higher range wages (top 10%) —

$70,350 annually/ $33.82 per hour BLUEPRINT | 2024 | arktimes.com 33

f 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? • Construct, repair and install building frameworks, remodel and rehab existing buildings • Performs finishing work, such as interior trim and flooring • Some carpenters are more specialized, such as those who insulate office buildings, install drywall or kitchen cabinets in homes or focus on outdoor structures. WHAT JOBS ARE THERE? Carpentry isn’t just one thing, it’s a skill that breaks down into various subspecialities. Being proficient in more than one of the following boosts your employability and pay range: Rough carpenter • Primarily work on the initial stages of a project • Focus on framing and structural work, such as building foundations, walls, floors, and roofs • Often work with larger pieces of lumber using power tools to create the framework of a structure Finish Carpenter • Craftspeople who focus on detailed, aesthetic aspects. • May install doors, windows, trim, molding and cabinetry • Must possess a keen eye for precision and craftsmanship, ensuring the final product looks polished and visually appealing Cabinetmaker • Specializes in designing, building and installing custom cabinets and other storage solutions • Works with various materials such as wood, plywood and laminates and have expertise in joinery techniques and cabinetry design • May create other furniture pieces, such as bookshelves, entertainment centers and vanities

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Formwork Carpenter • Builds temporary structures, molds or frameworks used in concrete construction • Forms built hold concrete in place until it sets and hardens • Skilled in accurate measuring, cutting and assembly to ensure the proper shape and structure of the concrete Trim Carpenter • Focuses on installing decorative moldings, trim and architectural features in a building • May include installing baseboards, crown molding, chair rails, window casings and staircases • Must have strong attention to detail and the ability to work with precision Restoration Carpenter • Specialize in the restoration and preservation of historic structures • Must have extensive knowledge of traditional building techniques and materials used in the historic building • May repair or recreate damaged or deteriorated elements using traditional methods and materials

DID YOU KNOW Carpentry tools today are a blend between the old and the new. Basic hand tools — like saws and chisels— have been around since 3000 BC in Egypt. At the same time, today’s carpenters also rely on space-age components, including 3D printing, building information modeling, drones, and virtual and augmented reality in the construction process.

HOW MUCH CAN

I MAKE?

• Lower range wages (bottom 10%)—

$30,230 annually/ $14.54 per hour

• Middle range wages (median) —

$39,620 annually/ $19.05 per hour

• Higher range wages (top 10%) —

$55,600 annually/ $26.73 per hour

WHAT RELATED JOBS ARE IN THIS FIELD? • Construction management • Brick mason • Concrete worker • Roofer • Outdoor/landscape construction (decks, patios outdoor kitchens) IDEAL WORKER • Detail-oriented • Creative problem-solver • Math skills • Physical strength/stamina JOB DEMAND • Carpenter — projected 1% increase LEARN YOUR CRAFT • A high school diploma • Many community colleges offer carpentry curriculums, from a few weeks to two years in length • Carpentry apprenticeships, sponsored by employers, unions or contractor associations, can take two to four years to complete

CNC OPERATORS/PROGRAMMERS

ave 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 and programmers, specially trained workers who design precision parts, then program and operate computer-driven machinery to make those parts, which are used in all kinds of industries. CNC works in much the same way as the software that powers 3D printers in a lab. The technology is transforming manufacturing for the modern age and is one of the fastestgrowing job fields in the world.

WHAT DOES A CNC OPERATOR/ PROGRAMMER DO? • Program and set up CNC machines to precisionproduce machine parts • Produce fabricated metal products, plastics, rubber products and machinery WHAT JOBS ARE THERE? CNC Programmer • Creates instructions via the computer to tell the machine what to do during the production process. • Depending on the company, one employee performs both jobs (programmer and operator). CNC Operator • Sets up and operates CNC machines to cut, shape and form metal and plastic materials or pieces. • CNC operators are sometimes cross-trained on CAD/CAM systems. IDEAL WORKER • Highly skilled in both digital and mechanical technology • Proficient in math • Extreme attention to detail JOB DEMAND • CNC programmer — projected 27% increase • CNC operator — projected 1% decrease

LEARN YOUR CRAFT • High school diploma, plus on-the-job experience • Coursework and certificate programs are available through many community colleges • Continuing education is a given as the technology continues to evolve rapidly

HOW MUCH CAN

I MAKE?

CNC Programmers • Lower range wages (bottom 10%)—

$38,700 annually/ $18.61 per hour

• Middle range wages (median) —

$52,000 annually/ $25.00 per hour

• Higher range wages (top 10%) —

DID YOU KNOW Computer-controlled equipment is able to cut, mill or shape parts much faster and with far more accuracy than parts created by hand. The future of CNC will sync multiple machines on a single part, further boosting efficiency and precision.

WHERE WOULD I WORK? Most CNC operators today work in manufacturing facilities fabricating metal, plastics and rubber. CNC is a cornerstone of advanced manufacturing, which is a much cleaner and safer form of manufacturing and provides a much more comfortable workspace. Employees of companies using advanced manufacturing generally work in an indoor, climate-controlled workplace.

$77,070 annually/ $37.05 per hour

CNC Operators • Lower range wages (bottom 10%)—

$30,100 annually/ $14.47 per hour

• Middle range wages (median) —

$43,520 annually/ $20.92 per hour

• Higher range wages (top 10%) —

$54,460 annually/ $26.18 per hour

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omputer programmers and coders play a critical role in writing, developing, testing and implementing new software that powers computers and makes modern life possible. Constantly changing and rapidly evolving, these roles are responsible for everything from streaming movies and industrial robots to smart cars and telephone apps.

WHAT DO COMPUTER PROGRAMMERS AND CODERS DO? Computer coder • Write the computer language (or code) for software programs that tell machines what to do • May also develop websites or apps for the companies they work for Computer programmer • Also write code with additional responsibilities • Design, production and testing of new software products or network systems

Senior Developer Writes more complex software applications while dealing with databases and algorithms in depth. Lead Architect Responsible for designing an entire software system by overseeing day-to-day coding implemented by a team of junior developers. Mid-Level Manager Provide leadership and guidance in various capacities, in charge of projects and people.

WHAT JOBS ARE THERE? Computer coders and programmers are employed in almost every segment of business and industry at some level. A sample of jobs that fall under this heading include: • Web developer • Software developer • Mobile application developer • Game developer • Database developers and administrator • Security programmers and analyst • AI/machine learning programmer • Embedded systems programmer (systems built into cars, appliances, medical equipment, etc.) • Computer systems analyst • Data scientist • Network architect

Senior Leader Manage other managers to meet company goals. This position is less about coding as it is about motivating and inspiring others in the department to perform well.

WHERE CAN THE JOB TAKE ME? Not all careers follow the same steps; however, a basic career path in this field includes: Junior Developer Builds quality, bug-free software that meets client expectations while learning the software development lifecycle.

Arkansas was the first state in the country to require schools to offer classes in IT subjects, including coding. The 2015 law was passed by the state Legislature as a way to give students a jump on the careers of the future. Therefore, if you attend high school in Arkansas, you already have access to beginning coding classes which gives you an advantage over people your age in many other states.

BLUEPRINT | 2024 | ARKANSAS TIMES

IDEAL WORKER • Logical/sequential thinker • Detailed problem-solver • Self-starting good communicator who’s able to work both individually and in a team environment

DID YOU KNOW

HOW MUCH CAN

I MAKE?

• Lower range wages (bottom 10%)—

$40,690 annually/ $19.56 per hour

• Middle range wages (median) —

$78,710 annually/ $37.84 per hour

• Higher range wages (top 10%) —

$137,660 annually/ $66.16 per hour

JOB DEMAND • Computer programmer/coder — projected 6% decrease LEARN YOUR CRAFT • Programmers typically hold a bachelor’s degree and start work with little to no experience • Associate degrees are also available in the state for those looking to learn valuable skills while deciding if programming is the right path; these degrees can often count as credit toward a bachelor's degree • Continuing education is a component of the profession as technology continues to change and programs and computer languages develop

WHAT DOES A DIESEL TECHNICIAN DO? • Make major and minor engine repairs by repairing or replacing parts and components • Perform routine and preventative maintenance to systems, including mechanical, electrical and exhaust • Test drive vehicles to diagnose malfunctions or to ensure that they run smoothly WHAT JOBS ARE THERE? Diesel technicians inspect, diagnose, repair and maintain any machine with a diesel engine, including: • Aircraft support equipment • Farm equipment, including tractors, harvester, 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.

rom over-the-road trucks and bulldozers to industrial and farm equipment to any number of industrial machines, diesel engines drive America. This fact has made the diesel technician one of the most in-demand jobs there is, keeping engines of all sizes running on the road or jobsite. 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 in that diesel technicians are trained to handle onboard electronics (computer systems) as well as the mechanical parts of the modern diesel engine.

IDEAL WORKER • Problem solver • Mechanically and electronically inclined • Able to deliver quality work with minimal supervision JOB DEMAND • Diesel technician — projected 6% increase LEARN YOUR CRAFT • High school diploma and on-the-job training • As engines become more sophisticated, employers prefer some training, which can be completed at many Arkansas two-year colleges ranging from six months to two years • Continuing education is a given; some employers may require (and pay for) certification by various groups, including the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)

DID YOU KNOW Despite what you may have heard, electric vehicles are not likely to replace the diesel engine anytime soon. Not only do diesel engines deliver more energy-dense performance, manufacturers have made great strides to improve emissions and fuel efficiency. Cummins’ clean diesel SuperTruck I, introduced in 2010, operates 60 times cleaner than a truck sold in 1988.

WHERE CAN I GO? • 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 • Diesel technicians work in a repair, maintenance or garage-type facility. Some are mobile and travel to the site of a breakdown or jobsite to provide service

HOW MUCH CAN

I MAKE?

• Lower range wages (bottom 10%)—

$33,970 annually/ $16.33 per hour

• Middle range wages (median) —

$46,550 annually/ $22.38 per hour

• Higher range wages (top 10%) —

$62,810 annually/ $30.20 per hour

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lectricians 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 for residents and occupants. WHAT JOBS ARE THERE? Residential Wiremen • Install and maintain electrical wires that go into people’s 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 Electrician • 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

BLUEPRINT | 2024 | ARKANSAS TIMES

HOW MUCH CAN

I MAKE?

• Lower range wages (bottom 10%)—

$29,690 annually/ $14.28 per hour

• Middle range wages (median) —

$46,600 annually/ $22.40 per hour

• Higher range wages (top 10%) —

$62,900 annually/ $30.24 per hour

DID YOU KNOW Upon completion of an apprenticeship, students sit for their journeyman’s license, which allows them to work unsupervised on most tasks. Some electricians choose to test for the highest license, a master electrician, which brings more money and also allows the electrician to open their own shop.

IDEAL WORKER SKILLS • Intelligent, with particular skills in math, algebra and writing • Mechanical ability and ability to diagnose problems and troubleshoot • Business/interpersonal skills, such as time management and communication JOB DEMAND • Electrician — projected 9% increase LEARN YOUR CRAFT • High school diploma and learning through classroom education and on-the-job training • Two-year colleges offer courses in electrical fields • Apprenticeship — a combination of on-the-job training and classroom work for 4-5 years — is a very common form of training. 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 include working in the elements during bad weather or after storms.

f it can push, pull, pump or lift material, rolls on tires or crawls on tracks like a tank, it needs a heavy equipment operator to make it work. 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? • Drive, maneuver or control a variety of heavy construction equipment, including cranes, bulldozers, front-end loaders, backhoes, graders, dredges, excavators, hoists and others • Clean and maintain equipment, make basic repairs • Work with excavation and loading machines equipped with scoops, shovels or buckets that dig sand, gravel, earth or similar materials IDEAL WORKER SKILLS • Hand-eye-foot coordination • Mechanical skills • Familiar with building and construction JOB DEMAND • Heavy equipment operator — projected 13% increase LEARN YOUR CRAFT • High school diploma and on-the-job training, or training by equipment manufacturers • Some two-year schools offer courses in heavy equipment • Operators often need a commercial driver’s license to haul equipment to jobsites and may need special licenses for operating certain equipment WHERE DO HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS WORK? Most construction equipment operators work full time, in nearly every type of weather conditions. Some operators work in remote locations and have irregular schedules to match around-the-clock production or work that must be done late at night.

HOW MUCH CAN

I MAKE?

• Lower range wages (bottom 10%)—

$30,050 annually/ $14.45 per hour

• Middle range wages (median) —

$38,920 annually/ $18.71 per hour

• Higher range wages (top 10%) —

$53,450 annually/ $25.71 per hour

DID YOU KNOW Technological improvements are everywhere in heavy equipment these days. From remote-controlled mining equipment to machines that work together through telematics, equipment manufacturers are creating a safer, more efficient jobsite for operators.

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VACR (Heat, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration) is a career field that demands a variety of skills of its technicians. 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? • Install, service and maintain heating and air conditioning systems in homes, businesses and multi-unit residential buildings • Work with systems such as oil burners, boilers, heat pumps, central air conditioning and hot-air furnaces as well as commercial-grade ice makers, refrigerators and freezers • Perform annual inspections and servicing; replace old, outdated technology; maintain ductwork WHERE DO HVACR TECHNICIANS WORK? • A company setting, answering appointmentbased installations or service calls • Residential or commercial construction jobsites • May own their own business and work out of a truck or van JOB DEMAND? • HVACR installer/mechanic projected job outlook — 6% increase

IDEAL WORKER • Active listening/communication • Refined customer service skills • Critical thinking/troubleshooting LEARN YOUR CRAFT • Programmers typically hold a bachelor’s degree and start work with little to no experience • Associate degrees are also available in the state for those looking to learn valuable skills while deciding if programming is the right path; these degrees can often count as credit toward a bachelor degree • Continuing education is a component of the profession as technology continues to change and programs and computer languages develop

HOW MUCH CAN

I MAKE?

• Lower range wages (bottom 10%) —

$30,830 annually/ $14.82 per hour

• Middle range wages (median) —

$45,750 annually/ $21.99 per hour

• Higher range wages (top 10%) —

$63,360 annually/ $30.46 per hour

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DID YOU KNOW Technology continues to change the game for consumers and installers of futuristic AC units. Here are just a few examples of innovation that is changing the industry, from the largest companies in the world to the smallest: THERMAL-DRIVEN AIR CONDITIONING • Uses solar energy to drive double-effect chiller. • Provides a low-cost alternative to conventional air conditioning units. ICE-POWERED AIR CONDITIONER • 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. • Depending on ambient temperatures, the pump removes heat from the fluid in the system and transfers it to the building, or removes heat from the building and deposits it underground. SMART THERMOSTATS • Whole-house control systems that monitor and maintain climate control. • Device “learns” owner preference and automatically adjusts rooms to those settings.

f you’re someone who likes a different challenge every day, then being in Industrial Maintenance may be the job for you. These skilled professionals are the go-to in any factory or industrial facility, trained to handle a number of situations to keep machines rolling and production schedule on time.

WHAT DOES AN INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN DO? • Assemble, repair and service expensive equipment • May work with robotic welding arms, automobile assembly line conveyor belts, hydraulic lifts, production machinery and packaging equipment • Provide input to management on new equipment purchases WHAT JOBS ARE THERE? Industrial machinery mechanic • Detect and correct errors before the machine damages itself or the product • Diagnose and pinpoint 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 Millwright • Install, maintain and disassemble industrial machines • Perform repairs, including replacing worn or defective parts • May take apart entire machines to relocate them or make room for new equipment • Disassemble, categorize and package each part of the machine

WHERE DO INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE TECHNICIANS WORK? • Manufacturing or industrial plant • Companies that specialize in industrial repair and maintenance • Most work full time during regular business hours, but they may also serve on-call, night or weekend shifts JOB DEMAND • Industrial machinery mechanic projected job outlook — 26% increase • Machinery maintenance projected job outlook — 14% increase • Millwright projected job outlook — 10% increase IDEAL WORKER SKILLS • Familiar with production/processing methods • Math skills • Troubleshooting/diagnosis LEARN THE CRAFT • High school diploma • May complete some college courses or earn an associate degree • Unions also sponsor training programs for these jobs

HOW MUCH CAN

I MAKE?

Industrial Machinery Mechanics • Lower range wages (bottom 10%) —

$36,670 annually/$17.63 per hour

• Middle range wages (median) —

$50,310 annually/$24.19 per hour

• Higher range wages (top 10%) —

$76,930 annually/$36.98 per hour

Machinery Maintenance Workers • Lower range wages (bottom 10%) —

$29,610 annually/$14.24 per hour

• Middle range wages (median) —

$44,530 annually/$21.41 per hour

• Higher range wages (top 10%) —

$55,010 annually/$26.45 per hour

Millwrights • Lower range wages (bottom 10%) —

$37,780 annually/$18.16 per hour

• Middle range wages (median) —

$49,350 annually/$23.73 per hour

• Higher range wages (top 10%) —

$61,710 annually/$29.67 per hour

BLUEPRINT | 2024 | arktimes.com 41

C H

omputer programmers and coders play a critical role ave you ever wondered in writing, developing, testing and wherenew parts, instruments implementing software that and components from tomodern powers computerscome and makes build that machine? Machinists life possible. Constantly changing arerapidly industrial technicians and evolving, thesethat roles provide the solution and also from are responsible for everything produce parts andand components streaming movies industrial robots existing tofor smart cars machines. and telephone apps.

Senior Developer WHAT DO COMPUTER PROGRAMMERS AND CODERS DO? Writes more complex software applications while dealHOW MUCH Computer coder ing with databases and algorithms in depth. CAN HOW MUCH • Write the computer language (or code) for software programs that tell machines what to do Lead Architect CAN • May also develop websites or apps for the comWHAT DOES A MACHINIST DO? Responsible for designing an entire software system by panies they work for • Produce parts and instruments using day-to-day coding implemented by a team overseeing a variety of mechanical and computerof junior developers. • Lower range wages (bottom 10%)— • Lower range wages (bottom 10%) — Computer programmer controlled machines $40,690 annually/ $19.56 per hour • Also write code with additional • Set upresponsibilities and operate a variety of computerMid-Level Manager $30,580 annually/$14.70 per hour • Design, production and testing of new software and mechanically controlledProvide tools leadership and guidance in various capacities, • Middle range wages (median) — products or network systems • Produce large quantities of one small in part, charge of projects and people. • Middle range wages (median) — $78,710 annually/ $37.84 per hour batches or one-of-a-kind items out of metal $45,120 annually/$21.69 per hour WHAT JOBS ARE THERE? or plastic Senior Leader • Higher range wages (top 10%) — • Higher range wages (top 10%) — Computer coders and programmers are employed in Manage other managers to meet company goals. This $137,660 annually/ $66.16 per hour WHEREand DOindustry MACHINISTS position is less about coding as it is about motivating almost every segment of business at someWORK? $66,340 annually/$31.90 per hour Manufacturing industries and inspiring others in the department to perform well. level. A sample of jobs that• fall under this heading • Independent machine shops include: • Web developer IDEAL WORKER • Software developer JOB DEMAND • Logical/sequential thinker • Machinist projected job outlook •— Detailed 9% • Mobile application developer problem-solver JOB DEMAND increase • Game developer • Self-starting good communicator who’s able • Computer programmer/coder — • Database developers and administrator to work both individually and in a team projected 6% decrease IDEAL SKILL SET • Security programmers and analyst environment • Analytical and mathematical skills • AI/machine learning programmer LEARN YOUR CRAFT • Attention to detailbuilt • Embedded systems programmer (systems • Programmers typically hold a bachelor’s degree • Mechanical/technical into cars, appliances, medical equipment, etc.) skills and start work with little to no experience Machinists work in an increasingly • Computer systems analyst • Associate degrees are also available in the state complex environment. Most work with LEARN THE CRAFT • Data scientist for those looking to learn valuable skills while CNC (computerized) equipment, which • High school diploma and on-the-job • Network architect deciding if programming is the right path; these means they are often required to write training degrees can often count as credit toward a bachor modify programs. Some of the next• Manufacturers and unions also provide WHERE CAN THE JOB TAKE ME? elor's degree Arkansas was the first state in the country generation equipment these employees programs Not all careers follow the sametraining steps; however, a basic • Continuing to require schools to offer classes in IT on include robotics, are working laserseducation is a component of the pro• Two-year college programs are available career path in this field includes: fession as technology continues to change and subjects, including coding. The law and2015 the Internet of Things, which allows Junior Developer programs and computer languages develop was passed by the state Legislature a severalas machines to work simultaneously Builds quality, bug-free software that meets client expecway to give students a jump on the careershuman oversight. with minimal tations while learning the software development lifeof the future. Therefore, if you attend high cycle. school in Arkansas, you already have access

I MAKE?

DID YOU KNOW

to beginning coding classes which gives you an advantage over people your age in many other states.

36 42 BLUEPRINT | 2024 | ARKANSAS TIMES

I MAKE?

WHAT DO PLUMBERS DO? Residential • Build and maintain piping systems for moving liquid, steam, natural gas, liquid fuel or waste • Install and connect piping and fixtures, including welding metal components WHAT DOES A DIESEL TECHNICIAN DO? Develop blueprints to plan pipes and fixtures • Make major and minor engine repairs by repairwithin a structureparts and components ing or replacing Make connections between the city’s water • Perform routine and preventative maintenance supply and including homes andmechanical, businesses electrical and to systems, • exhaust Install bathtubs, showers, sinks, toilets, dishwashers and water heaters malfunctions or • Test drive vehicles to diagnose to ensure that they run smoothly Industrial • Perform maintenance and new WHAT JOBSinspections, ARE THERE? installation, handling wastewater Diesel technicians inspect,fuel, diagnose, repairand and maincollant tain any machine with a diesel engine, including: Minor carpentry to repair or reconfigure systems • Aircraft support equipment Installequipment, and serviceincluding septic systems • Farm tractors, harvester, • dairy Perform to gas lines, including andfunctions irrigationrelated systems installation, maintenance andyachts replacement and • Marine equipment, ships and proper installation of (semis) gas appliances • Over-the-road trucks • Buses and dump trucks JOB DEMAND • Earth-moving equipment, such as bulldozers, • Plumber projectedand job graders outlook — 6% increase loaders, backhoes • Road construction/highway paving equipment LEARN THE CRAFT machines, including cranes, • Industrial/factory • High school diplomaequipment. pumps and drilling • Two-year college degree • Most learn and advance through an apprentice program, the first of three levels of professional training, with corresponding rate of pay • Apprentice — a beginner, enrolled in a training program lasting on average 4-5 years • Journeyman — completed apprentice training and passed license test administered by the state • Master — served as a journeyman for a period of years and passed license test by the state

ew skilled labor jobs provide as many different opportunities or romdemand over-the-road trucks and bulldozers to are in as consistently high as industrial and farm equipment to any number plumbers. Whether working in new of industrial machines, diesel engines drive Amerconstruction, industrial settings or ica. This fact has made the diesel technician one of running their own business, plumbers the in-demand have the potential tomost earn very good jobs there is, keeping engines of successful all sizes running wages over a long, career on the road or jobsite. 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 in that diesel technicians are trained to handle onboard electronics (computer systems) as well as the mechanical parts of the modern diesel engine.

IDEAL WORKER • Problem solver • Mechanically and electronically inclined • Able to deliver quality work with minimal supervision JOB DEMAND • Diesel technician — projected 6% increase

HOW MUCH

LEARN YOUR CRAFT CAN • High school diploma and on-the-job training • As engines become more sophisticated, employers prefer some training, which can be comat many two-year colleges •pleted Lower rangeArkansas wages (bottom 10%) — ranging from six months to two years $30,560 annually/$14.69 per hour • Continuing education is a given; some employmay require pay(median) for) certification by var•ersMiddle range(and wages — ious groups, including the National Institute for $45,980 annually/$22.11 per hour Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) • Higher range wages (top 10%) —

I MAKE?

$63,120 annually/$30.34 per hour

DID YOU KNOW

Despite what you may have heard, electric vehicles are not likely to replace the diesel engine anytime soon. Not only do diesel engines deliver more energy-dense performance, manufacturers have made great strides to improve emissions and fuel efficiency. Cummins’ clean diesel SuperTruck I, introduced in 2010, operates 60 times cleaner than a truck sold in 1988.

DID YOU WHERE CAN I GO? KNOW • Diesel techs are employed by (among others):

manufacturers, trucking companies, equipment dealerships, farm operations, cities and counties New technology is a constant in the plumb• Some techs may also work as inspectors to make ing industry. Some of the newest gadgets sure equipment meets government regulations plumbers must learn to work on include: • Diesel technicians work in a repair, maintenance or“BRAIN garage-type facility. Some are mobile and PIPES” travel to the site of automation a breakdownplumbing or jobsite to pro• Smart home vide service systems • Smart pipes monitor an entire home or building • Alerts property owner to any breaks or leaks

HOW MUCH

GREEN PLUMBING CAN • High-efficiency components designed to reduce water usage • Includes faucets, shower heads and toilets with lowflow flush capacity

I MAKE?

• Lower range wages (bottom 10%)— SMART APPLIANCES annually/ $16.33 per hour • $33,970 Self-monitoring dishwashers, washing machines, water heaters and • Middle range wages (median) — toilets $22.38 per hour • $46,550 Computerannually/ chips control everything from wash settings to water • Higher range wages (top 10%) — temperature $62,810 annually/ $30.20 per hour GREYWATER RECYCLING • Systems capture water from bathroom sinks, showers and washing machines and redirect it to landscaping outside

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rocess technicians help companies make better products in ways that are safer, more efficient and therefore more profitable. Their job is to figure out better ways to produce items through manufacturing.

WHAT DOES A PROCESS TECHNICIAN DO? • Looks for ways to build or produce things better • Identify inefficiencies in production and find ways to improve the process • Prepare machinery and equipment layouts, plan workflows, conduct statistical production studies and analyze production costs WHAT JOBS ARE THERE? Chemical technician • Use laboratory instruments and techniques to help chemists and chemical engineers research, develop, produce and test chemical products and processes • Monitor chemical processes and test the quality of products • Set up and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment • Troubleshoot production problems or malfunctioning instruments Industrial engineering technician • Assist industrial engineers in devising efficient systems to make a product or provide a service • Revise methods of operation, material handling or equipment layout • Interpret engineering drawings, schematic diagrams and formulas • Prepare charts, graphs and diagrams to illustrate workflow, routing, floor layouts, how materials are handled and how machines are used •

JOB DEMAND • Chemical technician projected job outlook — 9% increase • Industrial engineering technician projected job outlook — 8% increase 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 and Design • Complex problem-solving

HOW MUCH CAN

I MAKE?

Chemical Technician • Lower range wages (bottom 10%) —

$31,160 annually/$14.98 per hour

• Middle range wages (median) —

$43,660 annually/$20.99 per hour

• Higher range wages (top 10%) —

$61,870 annually/$29.75 per hour

Industrial Technician/Technologist • Lower range wages (bottom 10%) —

$37,280 annually/$17.92 per hour

• Middle range wages (median) —

$49,180 annually/$23.64 per hour

• Higher range wages (top 10%) —

$134,000 annually/$64.42 per hour

BLUEPRINT | 2024 | ARKANSAS TIMES

rom over-the-road long-haul truckers driving coast to coast, to delivery drivers that bring goods to your door, everything you eat, wear or use has at some point in the supply chain been hauled by truck.

WHAT DO TRUCK DRIVERS DO? • Operate heavy-duty trucks to transport loads from Point A to Point B • Follow time schedules to meet delivery deadlines, balanced with road conditions, speed limits and other variables to ensure safety WHERE DO TRUCK DRIVERS WORK? • Over-the-road truck drivers may follow a set territory or they may go anywhere in the lower 48 states, plus Canada and Mexico • Truck routes range from a few days out and back to cross-country runs that keep drivers out for several weeks at a time LEARN THE CRAFT Learning to operate a semi generally happens at schools set up for that purpose, although some community colleges also offer this instruction. On average, trucking school takes 3-5 weeks to complete while two-year schools’ programs can be completed in a semester or two. Once training is completed, drivers must pass a test to get their commercial driver’s license (CDL), required to operate semis, buses and other heavy, oversized vehicles. In Arkansas, 18-year-olds can drive commercial motor vehicles within state lines. Drivers must be 21 to drive commercial vehicles across state lines, haul hazardous materials or operate a vehicle with double or triple trailers. JOB DEMAND • Truck driver projected job outlook — 8% increase

HOW MUCH CAN

I MAKE?

• Lower range wages (bottom 10%) —

$26,690 annually/$12.83 per hour

• Middle range wages (median) —

$43,180 annually/$20.76 per hour

• Higher range wages (top 10%) —

$73,170 annually/$35.18 per hour

Earning power varies widely with the type of loads handled, as some drivers have earned special certifications and therefore command more money. The current shortage of drivers has driven up wages all over the country, with some companies offering handsome sign-on and retention bonuses to keep their fleets running.

DID YOU KNOW There are many different types of overthe-road trucks, including: FLATBED — Deliver freight secured to a trailer with no walls; haul such things as military vehicles, large machine parts or lumber. DRY VAN — Drive an enclosed trailer hauling nonperishable products and dry goods. TANKER — Transport liquids from food-grade loads like milk to fuel, chemicals or even hazardous waste. FREIGHT — Deliver goods not covered by dry van drivers such as liquids, oversized loads, hazardous goods, automobiles and logs on specially modified rigs. REFRIGERATED FREIGHT — Deliver food, medical products, meat and other highly perishable goods in temperature-controlled trailers.

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profession of nearly unlimited opportunity, welders work in a wide range of industries and environments. They are always in high demand, command good wages and even launch their own businesses.

WHAT DOES A WELDER DO? • Skilled professionals who join two pieces of metal using heat and gas • Perform the right type of welding for the materials being joined 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 WHAT JOBS ARE THERE? Cutter • Utilize heat from an electric arc, plasma stream or burning gases to cut and trim metal objects • Cutters also take apart large objects such as ships, railroad cars, boilers and aircraft Solderer/brazer • Use heat to join two or more metal objects together • Soldering is used to make electrical and electronic circuit boards, such as computer chips • Brazing is used to connect cast iron and thinner metals WHERE DO WELDERS WORK? • Industrial and manufacturing • Plumbers • Body shops, sheet metal, shipyards and boilermaking • Building or bridge construction JOB DEMAND • Welder projected job outlook — 10% increase LEARN THE CRAFT • High school welding programs as part of automotive or shop classes • Two-year college welding curriculum • Designated apprenticeship welding program sponsored by unions or trade associations

BLUEPRINT | 2024 | ARKANSAS TIMES

DID YOU KNOW In all, there are more than 100 different processes that a welder can use, four of the most common being:

HOW MUCH CAN

I MAKE?

• Lower range wages (bottom 10%) —

$29,190 annually/$14.04 per hour

• Middle range wages (median) —

$37,760 annually/$18.16 per hour

• Higher range wages (top 10%) —

$50,450 annually/$24.26 per hour

GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) — More commonly known as MIG (metal inert gas) welding, this type is used on steel, stainless steel and aluminum. ARC WELDING — Also known as SMAW (shielded metal arc welding) or stick welding, used in manufacturing, construction and repair work. FCAW (Flux-Cored Arc Welding) — Lower-cost, high-speed alternative to stick welding, it’s used on iron and steel in manufacturing, construction and repair work. GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding) — Commonly known as TIG (tungsten inert gas) welding, it delivers a superior finish without requiring a lot of finish sanding or grinding.

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BLUEPRINT | 2024 | ARKANSAS TIMES