MEET THE PRO: Kade Price, Electronics Technician

Jacob Slaton

"Through the years... I’ve had to create many projects where I cited the ARKANSAS NEXT: PROS magazine, most of the time to showcase what career path I was interested in, so the instructors could better help prepare me for my future in a skilled position," Kade said.

Hometown: Gentry

Age: 20

Where I Trained: Career Academy of Siloam Springs (CASS), Business and Industry Training

What I Earned: Maintenance technician, ESI-3, motor controls 1-4 and control logics 1-5 certifications

Job Title: Electronics Technician

Employer: McKee Foods Corporation

In high school, Kade volunteered to work the Be Pro Be Proud truck to encourage lower classmen to gain hands-on experience in various trades. He enjoyed showing his peers how much fun learning a new trade can be and would explain the logistics of the job—and how much money they could make in those fields. This solidified his passion for pursuing a career in a trade profession.

During his first year at the Career Academy of Siloam Springs, his class received a new programmable logic controller (PLC) trainer, but no one — not even the instructor — knew how to use it. Kade spent the next year experimenting with circuit design, and loved the challenge and satisfaction when everything would work as intended. After that, he enrolled in Business and Industry Training to earn a proper certification in PLC design.

“There is not one day that passes that I don’t learn something new. Every day is different than the last,” Kade said. “This job also challenges me and keeps my mind working around the clock, making me smarter—and thus more valuable.”

Kade’s everyday responsibilities include replacing damaged electrical components and making sure they do not pose a shock hazard. He often adjusts machines and machine sensors to ensure they run smoother and produce products more efficiently. “It’s not as complicated as it looks,” Kade said. “Once you get the training, it's only a matter of time before you start to recognize the patterns that the machines follow.”

WHAT DOES A ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN DO?

Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians help engineers design and develop design equipment that is powered by electricity or electric current.

Education needed:

An associate degree is typically needed to become electrical engineers and technologists.

Jacob Slaton

Job Outlook

►8% projected job growth in Arkansas by 2028

►50 annual projected job openings in Arkansas

This option is for you if

You're a hard worker
You enjoy learning new skills
Solving problems excites you

High-end earners (top 10%) make
$79,510

Median wages in Arkansas
$62,380 Annual
$29.99 Hourly

START YOUR TRAINING

Arkansas Northeastern College
Arkansas State University-Beebe
Arkansas State University-Mid-South
Arkansas State University-Mountain Home
Arkansas State University-Newport
Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus
Business and Industry Training
Camden Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program (CMAP), Lockheed Martin and SAU Tech Partnership
Lexicon Inc.
Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control, Camden Operations
Southern Arkansas University Tech
Tyson Foods Inc.
University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville
University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana

READY TO HIRE YOU

Business and Industry Training
Camden Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program (CMAP), Lockheed Martin and SAU Tech Partnership
Central Moloney Inc.
Hytrol
Lexicon Inc.
Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control, Camden Operations
Pace Industries
Riceland
Tyson Foods Inc.
Welsco

Sources: bls.gov
*When employment projections were not available for Arkansas, U.S. projections were used