The construction industry is vast and the jobs within it fit a variety of personalities—from creatives to math whizzes and everyone in between. There are 53,100 Arkansans employed in construction.

Meet The Pros

Kramer Helmbeck
Heavy Equipment Operator

Kateland Terry
Electrician

Aaron Standridge
HVACR Technician

Jesus Sidon
Plumber

► In 2019, casinos were added to Arkansas Business’ annual list of booming commercial construction projects.

More Jobs in Construction

Carpenters

Carpenters build structures by reading blueprints, working with materials such as wood and repairing damages when necessary.

Education needed: With a high school diploma, carpenters can learn on the job or with an apprenticeship.

Construction & Building Inspectors

A construction and building inspector abides by building codes and zoning laws to survey plans and approve them if they pass specifications.

Education needed: Construction and building inspectors typically require a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training.

Construction Managers

Construction managers coordinate construction projects. They work with others, manage the budget, schedule tasks and manage problems that may arise.

Education needed: Construction managers may earn a bachelor’s degree or work up the ranks of construction.

Cost Estimators

Cost estimators prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services. They may specialize according to a particular service or type of product manufactured.

Education needed: People in this career typically have a bachelor's degree and one to 12 months of on-the-job training.

Crane Operators

Crane operators use cranes to lift and move materials, machines or products in many directions.

Education needed: Crane operators typically have a high school diploma or equivalent and learn most of the role through on-the-job training.

Insulation Workers

Insulation workers place insulation in buildings.

Education needed: Depending on the type of insulation worker, they may complete an apprenticeship or earn on-the-job training.

Painters

Painters prepare walls, buildings and structures and then administer paint.

Education needed: On-the-job training

Sheet Metal Workers

Sheet metal workers use metal sheets to build products for construction sites.

Education needed: They can train through an apprenticeship, technical school or on the job.

ACEF Debuts New Training Programs

The Arkansas Construction Education Foundation recently launched several new training programs for young Arkansans interested in pursuing a career in the skilled trades. Some of the new programs are:

► Electrical Registered Apprenticeship (four-year program)

► Plumbing Registered Apprenticeship (four-year program)

► HVAC Registered Apprenticeship (two-year program)

► Industrial Electrician Pre-apprenticeship/Registered Apprenticeship with Tyson Foods (four-year program)

► Electrical/Plumbing Pre-apprenticeship with ASU Three Rivers

15 Largest Commercial Contractors in Arkansas

Sources: Arkansas Business Book of Lists 2020, Bureau of Labor Statistics

MORE INDUSTRIES:
 MANUFACTURING  •  TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS  •  AGRICULTURE  •  ENERGY & UTILITIES