Student & Youth Programs

Hosted by ABC Arkansas | Open to the Public

The Associated Builders & Contractors of Arkansas hosts periodic workshops in Central Arkansas throughout the year for students and/or youth in the community. Typically we host 2 - 3 programs in the Spring, Summer, and Fall for a variety of age groups.

To inquire about any upcoming student and youth events, please contact Megan Greenland by emailing [email protected] or call 501-812-0828.

Past Youth Programs

Spring Homeschool Carpentry Workshop 2022

Hosted on Tuesday, April 19, 2022

Age Range: 8 - 18

Description: This workshop was designed to introduce homeschool students to the basics of hands on learning that is associated with the carpentry trade. Under the guidance of team members from Mulhearn Wilson Constructors, a local General Contractor and Construction Manager, students learned and implemented key carpentry concepts by building coffee tables in small groups. They will also got to see various demonstrations and learn about career opportunities in this industry.

Spring Homeschool Masonry & Roofing Workshop 2022

Hosted on Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Age Range: 8 - 18

Description: This workshop was designed to introduce homeschool students to the basics of hands on learning that is associated with the masonry and roofing construction trades. Students were guided through various activities by team members from ABC Block & Brick and Roberts-McNutt, Inc. ABC Block & Brick taught students how to apply mortar to stone walls; how to lay a brick wall; and how to lay pavers. Roberts-McNutt taught students about proper roofing and waterproofing techniques. Students also got to see various demonstrations and learn about career opportunities in these industries.

Spring Homeschool First Aid / CPR / AED Course 2022

Hosted on Tuesday, April 5, 2022

Age Range: 14 and up

Description: This course was meant to help students feel prepared if an emergency happens in their day to day lives. During this course, students learned how to provide adult first aid, CPR, and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in a safe, timely, and effective manner. After completing the course, students were certified through the American Heart Association.

Fall Homeschool Carpentry Workshop 2021

Hosted on Tuesday, October 26, 2021

Age Range: 8 - 18

Description: This workshop was designed to introduce homeschool students to the basics of hands on learning that is associated with the carpentry trade. Under the guidance of team members from Kinco Constructors, a large general contractor that serves the state of Arkansas, students learned and implemented key carpentry concepts by building dog houses in small groups. They will also got to see various demonstrations and learn about career opportunities in this industry.

Fall Vehicle Maintenance 101 Workshop 2021

Hosted on Saturday, October 16, 2021

Age Range: 14 - 18

Description: The first two hours of this workshop was designed to teach teens ages 14 - 18 the basics of routine vehicle maintenance through various demonstrations and hands on practice. Our facilitators will teach students what they need to know about proper auto care in order to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely! The learning objectives from this workshop included: Overall Vehicle Safety, Understanding & Finding Your VIN #, Changing a Flat Tire; Checking Oil; Checking Fluids; Checking Battery; and Proper Jump Starting Procedures. During the last hour of the workshop, ABC’s Safety Committee Chairman gave his ‘5 Keys to Safe Driving’ presentation where he will review the core principles of Smith System, a leader in crash-avoidance training.

Fall Homeschool First Aid / CPR / AED Course 2021

Hosted on Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Age Range: 14 and up

Description: This course is meant to help students feel prepared if an emergency happens in their day to day lives. During this course, students learned how to provide adult first aid, CPR, and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in a safe, timely, and effective manner. After completing the course, students were certified through the American Heart Association.

Summer Homeschool First Aid / CPR / AED Course 2021

Hosted two classes on Thursday, August 12th and Friday, August 13th

Age Range: 14 and up

Summer Homeschool Electrical Workshop 2021

Hosted on Tuesday, August 10th

Age Range: 8 - 18

Description: This workshop was designed to introduce homeschool students to the basics of hands on learning that is associated with the electrical trade. This program was led by representatives from several local electrical contractors serving the commercial and industrial markets in Arkansas. During this workshop, students were guided through multiple activities that deal with commercial electrical work, low voltage electrical work, and electrical safety. Students also got to see various demonstrations and learn about career opportunities in this field. This was a great chance for students to learn from industry experts, gain new skills, and see how fun the electrical trade can be!

Summer Vehicle Maintenance 101 Workshop

Hosted on Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Age Range: 14 – 18

Description: The freedom of driving a vehicle is exciting, but with it comes added responsibilities. Vehicles are machines, and like any machine they need maintenance. This workshop was designed to teach teens ages 14 - 18 the basics of routine vehicle maintenance through various demonstrations and hands on practice. Certified mechanics from Bad Boys Auto taught students what they need to know about proper auto care in order to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely. Topics included: Understanding & Finding Your VIN #; Changing a Flat Tire; Checking Oil; Checking Fluids; Checking Battery; and Proper Jump Starting Procedures.

Fall Homeschool Carpentry Workshop 2020

Hosted on Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Age Range: 13 - 18

Description: This workshop is designed to introduce homeschool students to the basics of hands on learning that is associated with the carpentry trade. Under the guidance of real Project Managers from Kinco Constructors, a large general contractor that serves the state of Arkansas, students will learn and implement key carpentry concepts by building Adirondack patio/deck chairs in small groups. They will also get to see various demonstrations and learn about career opportunities in this industry. This is a chance for students to learn directly from experts in this field, all while having fun!

Fall Homeschool Electrical Workshop 2020

Hosted on Tuesday, October 20, 2020

Age Range: 13-18

Description: This workshop was designed to introduce homeschool students to the basics of hands on learning that is associated with the electrical trade. This program was led by an NCCER Electrical Instructor, Brian Williams, along with experiences apprentices, Zach Ross and Todd Burrows from Thompson Electric, Inc.. Thompson Electric is an electrical contractor serving the commercial and industrial markets in Arkansas. During the workshop, students were guided through the process of bending EMT (electrical metallic tubbing) conduit; practiced stripping and twisting different wires to make an electrically safe joint; and learned about the different parts of breaker panels in order to understand safe practices when working/being around a HOT (electricity is present) breaker panel. Students also had the chance to learn about apprenticeship training and career opportunities in this field. Were were thrilled to offer homeschool students the opporuntity to learn from industry experts and gain new skills.

Youth Summer Carpentry Workshop 2020

Hosted on Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Age Range: 13 - 18

Description: This workshop was designed to introduce students to the basics of hands on learning that is associated with the carpentry trade. Under the guidance of Josh Aldridge and Cody Malone, Project Managers from Kinco Constructors (a large general contractor that serves the state of Arkansas) students learned and implemented key carpentry concepts. First, each student was given their own PPE (personal protective equipment) and Kinco swag bags to keep! Students then learned about career opportunities in this industry, reviewed all the tools that are essential to the carpentry trade, and learned how to properly read a tape measure. After some instruction, students constructed two table saws which involved properly measurering two-by-fours, using a miter saw to cut the right size boards, using power drills to connect the pieces correctly, then reviewing the finished product to learn how to improve. After all this practice, students were broken into four small groups where they were given a set of instructions on how to build an Adirondack patio/deck chair. Josh and Cody supervised the groups but for the most part, the students figured things out on their own and constructed the chairs by thoroughly reading the plans and working together as a team. There were many lessons learned along the way and everyone had fun! We didn’t quite finish the chairs, but thankfully, four families wanted to take them home and complete them on their own time. What a great way to extend the project! We are grateful to the parents that allowed their children to come learn with us. And we can’t thank Josh, Cody, and Kinco Constructors enough for helping us teach these kids new skills! It meant a lot to the kids to receive guidance from professionals working in the industry.

Homeschool First Aid / CPR / AED Course 2020

Hosted on Thursday, July 16, 2020

Age Range: 14 and up

Spring Homeschool Training Program 2020

Hosted on Tuesdays in March & April, 2020

(Was cancelled after two sessions due to COVID-19 safety precautions)

Age Range: 8 – 18

Description: Similar to the first two 6 week programs, this program was intended to give attendees the opportunity to come to our apprenticeship school for a couple hours once a week to learn key concepts and introductory knowledge of the following construction trades: safety, electrical, hand & power tools, carpentry, glass glazing & installation, plumbing / pipe fitting, heavy equipment, and welding. Unfortunately due to COVID-19 safety precautions, we were only able to complete the electrical and hand & power tool training days. Attendees worked with a variety of professionals in the construction industry to complete hands-on activities and demonstrations all while learning how to use tools and materials involved in the perspective fields

Fall Homeschool Training Program 2019

Hosted on Tuesdays in September and October, 2019

Age Range: 8 – 18

Description: Similar to the spring program, this 6 week program gave attendees the opportunity to come to our apprenticeship school for a couple hours once a week to learn key concepts and introductory knowledge of the following construction trades: drywall / framing, painting, roofing / waterproofing, fall protection, excavation, heavy equipment, masonry, concrete, and low voltage (data cables, security, etc.). Attendees worked with a variety of professionals in the construction industry to complete hands-on activities and demonstrations all while learning how to use tools and materials involved in the perspective fields. On the last day, attendees met at the Arkansas Highway Department Materials Lab for a private tour!

Building Through Technology Summer Camp 2019

Hosted August 6-9, 2019

Age Range: 12 - 17

Description: Attendees experienced the full design and development process of constructing a new commercial project from scratch while incorporating a variety of modern construction technology. Through the guidance of volunteers from local contractor companies, attendees learned about drones & site logistics, Building Information Modeling (BIM) & drafting plans, and laying out a design using points and lasers. Attendees also got to practice using a drone simulator, Oculus VR headset, AR HoloLens and solar trailer. This program ended with attendees being broken up into teams to conduct Pull Plan Scheduling where they learned the complex process of creating a time-line of all the different trades used to complete a project.

Block Kids Summer Workshop 2019

Hosted June 25, 2019

Age Range: 7 - 12

Description: This workshop was a Lego building competition aimed to introduce elementary school kids to construction and design. Attendees got to show off their creativity by constructing various structures with interlocking blocks & a few select materials. Projects were judged by a panel of industry volunteers and the winning project was submitted to the regional competition! This event was hosted in conjunction with the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC).

Spring Homeschool Training Program 2019

Hosted on Tuesdays in March & April, 2019

Age Range: 8 – 18

Description: This 6 week program gave attendees the opportunity to come to our apprenticeship school for a couple hours once a week to learn key concepts and introductory knowledge of the following construction trades: electrical, plumbing, heavy equipment, carpentry, HVAC, fire protection, and welding. Attendees worked with a variety of professionals in the construction industry to complete hands-on activities and demonstrations all while learning how to use tools and materials involved in the perspective fields.