LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — In an effort to give students a leg up in the trade industry, the First Youth Dept. of Labor Registered Electrical Apprenticeship Program in the state of Arkansas is doing just that.
“Men and women who are 16 and 17 years old can now start earning their OJT hours, on the job training, and also their related technical instruction which is their classroom hours so they can start early getting those hours that will count toward their apprenticeship program,” said Associated Builders and Contractors of Arkansas Chapter President Bill Roachell.
Roachell said there is a worker shortage of around 500,000 in the construction industry nationwide.
“There is a workforce shortage in the state of Arkansas, in the construction industry as a whole,” said Roachell.
“If we can help our members get young people into the trade, get them to start training and working early, it is going to benefit them and help everybody.”
Staley Electric is on board and has already employed the first two youth apprentices in the state through this program, Luke Staley and Evelyn Ewing.
Project manager Daniel Ladenburg said the two have already been there getting experience on their own time but now those hours will count.
“It takes four years so for them to get a jump start on that early in high school, it means they can start increasing their earning potential quite quickly at an early age, so it is very helpful,” said Ladenburg.
Ladenburg said they are thrilled to be a part of this program, something that is beneficial to the industry here in the state.
“There are a lot of people retiring and it is a great injection of youthful enthusiasm and for young people that really want to be able to start that career,” said Ladenburg.
For any Arkansas construction employers interested in this program, click here to learn more or contact Kimberly Moore at kmoore@abcark.org.