Fort Smith Adult Education Center

Apprenticeships

The Fort Smith Adult Education Center offers three different apprenticeship programs: an Electrical Apprenticeship, a Residential Construction Apprenticeship Program, and a Plumbing Apprenticeship Program.

Apprentices entering the electrical trade are required to be licensed by the Arkansas Department of Labor, Board of Electrical Examiners. This is a four-year program consisting of 640 hours of classroom instruction coinciding with 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. When a student completes the program, he or she will be granted a "release to test" and can submit an application to sit for the journeyman electrician's exam. Our classes are offered through partnership with the Arkansas Construction Education Foundation.

More details:  myacef.org

Our Residential Construction Apprenticeship Program (RCAP) is offered in partnership with the Greater Fort Smith Association of Homebuilders. This program is an 18 month, 288 hour program. Skills taught include:

• Building walls
• Installing roof joists, rafters and trusses
• Laying roofs with plywood and shingles
• Insulating, weather-stripping and caulking
• Installing doors, windows and siding
• Laying wood floors and stairs
• Installing interior finish and trim
• Installing cabinets and countertops
• Building forms for concrete
• Using green building techniques to reduce resources, conserve energy, increase durability of structures and improve indoor air quality

More details: fortsmithhomebuilders.org

Our Plumbing Apprenticeship is offered in partnership with Action, Inc.  The apprenticeship program is designed for candidates to reach their full potential by receiving an education and real-work experience simultaneously.  The four-year program offers successful candidates to work as a full-time employee during the day and attend school one or two times a week in the evening.  After completing the fours years, candidates will have completed the 640 hours to test for the Journeyman Plumbing License through the Department of Health from the State of Arkansas.  Additional benefits offered with Action Inc.'s apprenticeship program include:  Full-time benefits; medical, dental, and vision insurance; Free and additional life insurance; 401(k) match (50%); uniforms, paid time off.  

More details:  action-mechanical.com/apprenticeship-opportunity/

In addition, we periodically offer career skills designed to assist students in obtaining careers and/or further their career choice.  

Job Search and Interview Skills: This course teaches students about job search techniques and skills in preparation for finding employment in the construction trades. Students learn about the different procedures for applying for apprenticeships and jobs, complete applications and prepare a resume listing relevant work experience, practice interviewing, and track career exploration activities.