FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas Facilities Management Department apprenticeship program provides job opportunities in various trades.

Since the program was established in 1973, more than 100 employees have completed the program and gained their journeyman license. Many of these employees, who often started the program after high school, continued their careers with the university upon completion of the program and now serve as supervisors and construction coordinators for the campus.

The program offers apprenticeships in the electrical, HVAC, plumbing and locksmith fields. Apprentices, in addition to on-the-job training, must attend a total of 144 class hours per year at a local trade school. Once employees have reached their class and job training hours, they can take the necessary tests to become a journeyman in their field.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 94 percent of apprentices retain employment after completing an apprenticeship program.

Current Apprentices

There are currently three employees going through the apprenticeship program: Thomas Alvey, Marcus Bell, and Kendall Davis.

Alvey was initially hired as a summer employee while a student at the university and has since joined Facilities Management as an electrical apprentice.

"I worked with the electric shop guys before I started [the program]," Alvey said. "I realized how much fulfillment I get from working with my hands on physical projects, so I applied to the program."

Alvey said he had not realized how diverse the electrical field was before starting his apprenticeship, but he is happy to be moving forward and is thankful for the help from others.

"It's a fantastic career path. The folks you meet along the way are great," he said. "Every day presents a new challenge, so it never gets boring. And trades will always be needed."

Davis, an apprentice with Building System Maintenance Controls, is on track to complete his second year of the program ahead of schedule and recently passed his EPA Section 608 exams. He echoed Alvey's sentiments about the people he works with.

"My favorite thing is working with a great group of guys and getting hand on experience," Davis said. He encourages others to consider the apprenticeship program but understands the need for finding routines to help balance the program requirements.

"The most challenging part [of the program] was finding a routine that worked for me, but it didn't take too long to do that. New apprentices coming into the program should keep an open mind, listen to others, and stay on top of their work and apprenticeship responsibilities. Show the apprenticeship committee and others that they selected the right person for the program."

The apprenticeship program is available to anyone who is at least 18 years old, has a high school diploma or GED, and holds a valid driver's license. Classroom training is available in Fayetteville, Springdale, and Farmington. For more information about the program, contact Kelley  Sharp at 575-5470 or kesharp@uark.edu.