Pre-Apprenticeship

What is Pre-Apprenticeship?

This program is for individuals 17 and up, interested in pursuing a career as an construction industry.

Interested applicants would submit to a background check. Once they are approved, they would attend in-person apprenticeship classes at our ABC facility in North Little Rock/Maumelle on Thursday evenings from 5-8 PM for the Spring and Fall school semester.

Once a pre-apprentice has demonstrated good attendance, we will recommend them to our partnering employers as a quality applicant for hire. This program does NOT guarantee employment, but it does help build connections in industry and expose them to the construction, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and carpentry field.

The ABC Arkansas Construction Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program is a structured, hands-on training program designed to introduce participants to the construction industry and prepare them for entry into a registered apprenticeship. This program is ideal for individuals seeking a career in the building trades who want to gain foundational skills, industry exposure, and a competitive advantage in the apprenticeship selection process.

What You Will Learn:

Participants will receive comprehensive instruction in:

NCCER Core (Basic Construction) industry-recognized foundational curriculum
Introduction to Electrical
Introduction to Plumbing
Introduction to HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning)
Introduction to Carpentry
Earn up to 80 trade credit hours applicable toward a registered apprenticeship program
Introduction to multiple industry partners throughout the program
Instructor references and recommendations available for qualified participants
Direct pathway into registered apprenticeship programs with ABC Arkansas partner employers

Program Benefits:

Earn up to 80 trade credit hours applicable toward a registered apprenticeship program
Introduction to multiple industry partners throughout the program
Instructor references and recommendations available for qualified participants
Direct pathway into registered apprenticeship programs with ABC Arkansas partner employers

To start the process fill out the info below.

FAQ

When is the Enrollment Deadline for 2026-2027 School Year?
Enrollment will open July 2026.

Enrollment Requirements?

$100 enrollment fee
Must be 17 years of age or older
Valid U.S. Driver's License (DL) — required for enrollment and must remain valid throughout the program
Must have SSN and be legally authorized to work in the United States
Must pass a background check prior to enrollment or as required by ABC Arkansas or a sponsoring employer
Ability to attend Thursday evening classes from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM for the duration of the semester

Location

Fort Smith Area - Plumbing Only
NWA, Springdale, Arkansas - Plumbing Only

Skilled Trades Pathway - Maumelle, Arkansas

(Intro to Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, Carpentry)

ABC's First Electrical & Plumbing Pre-Apprentice's

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Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national construction industry trade association representing nearly 23,000 chapter members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 67 Chapters help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically, profitably and for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work.