Making sure that the demand for skilled millwrights is met in Arkansas and Oklahoma is a top priority for the Arkansas/Oklahoma Carpenters Apprenticeship and Training (AOKCAT) program.

Just in the first half of 2015, AOKCAT trained about 150 apprentices over more than 5,000 hours. Another 1,600 hours of training was completed for dozens of journeymen. During that time, the group also re-opened the Oklahoma City training center, and is working more closely with contractors to provide a more efficient process to get apprentices trained as quickly as possible.

As a result, apprenticeship hours are increasing. That means a skilled, safe workforce for contractors who get their millwrights from the Southern States Millwright Regional Council.

To help celebrate the program’s success, AOKAT recently held an Apprenticeship Open House at its Russellville, Arkansas Training Center. Live demos, tours, and an expert panel discussion were observed by leaders from the region’s political, business, construction, and education communities attended.

Just some of the many participants included Arkansas Department of Labor Director Lee Price; Arkansas Dept. of Career Education Program Coordinator Randy Prather and Program Advisor Rocky Mantooth; and Russellville Mayor Randy Horton (shown, working the virtual welder).