Arkansas Construction Education Foundation

We are proud to support this effort by partnering with UA–Pulaski Tech! Through ACEF's Pre-Apprenticeship Program, participants will receive hands-on instruction and industry-recognized credentials that prepare them for careers in Arkansas' construction industry.
By providing this next step in their training, we're helping create a pathway for participants to continue into Registered Apprenticeship programs in the skilled trades. We're grateful for the opportunity to provide YouthBuild participants with this opportunity and help them take the next step toward a career in the skilled trades!

We’re back! Another school year at ACEF is officially underway, and we can’t wait to see what this year has in store‼️

If you haven’t had a chance to read this quarters AGC Blueprint, take a look at the exciting work happening at ACEF and AGC Arkansas.

From the progress on our new training campus to the continued growth of apprenticeship and workforce development, we’re proud of what we’re building together! Thank you to AGC Arkansas for your continued partnership, and investment in the future of Arkansas’ construction industry.

As we prepare to kick off another school year, we have a lot of exciting things happening at ACEF!
Here's a peek at the progress as construction continues on our new training campus. Inside the main facility, classrooms, offices, training spaces, and hands-on labs are taking shape as renovations move forward. Outside, the slab for our future Heavy Civil Training Shop has also been prepped and is ready for concrete, marking another major milestone in the project's progress!
We have plenty more to share very soon, including new student opportunities and other exciting announcements. Stay tuned!

Thank you to Bryan Day and Port of Little Rock for the opportunity to share more about the work we're doing at the Arkansas Construction Education Foundation.
We're grateful to be part of a community that is committed to growing Arkansas's workforce, and we're excited for the opportunities ahead as we continue building our new home at the Port of Little Rock. We appreciate the continued support and look forward to what's to come!

PORTSIDE WITH BRYAN

Economic development doesn’t happen by accident. It is the result of visionary leadership, careful planning, and a commitment to making investments today that will create opportunities for tomorrow.

Today, the Little Rock Port Authority Board of Directors held its monthly meeting, marking an important leadership transition as Stan Hastings assumed the role of Board Chair. We also recognized and thanked Clay McGeorge for his outstanding leadership and dedicated service during the past two years as Board Chair. His steady guidance has helped position the Port for continued growth and success.

During the meeting, the Board heard presentations from the Arkansas Construction Education Foundation and the American Heart Association. Both organizations are helping industries build stronger workforces by expanding training opportunities, improving employee well-being, and supporting healthier workplaces—critical components of long-term economic competitiveness.

The Board also approved additional geotechnical investigations on the Port’s Acre Mega Site, another important step in preparing this strategic property for future industrial development. In addition, the Board authorized contracts to acquire approximately 500 acres from three separate landowners, continuing the Port’s long-range strategy to expand development opportunities, attract new industries, and create high-quality jobs for Central Arkansas.

Finally, the Board approved a resolution supporting the Quapaw Nation’s application to place approximately five acres of land they own at the Port into trust with the federal government.

I want to personally thank the seven members of the Little Rock Port Authority Board of Directors for their commitment to public service. These dedicated volunteers contribute countless hours, thoughtful leadership, and valuable expertise to help guide one of Arkansas’s most important economic development organizations.

Because of their vision and stewardship, the Port of Little Rock continues to attract investment, support more than 11,000 jobs, strengthen our transportation network, and create opportunities that will benefit Central Arkansas for generations to come.

We had a great day on the course at the AGC Arkansas Mid-Year Golf Tournament! We always appreciate the opportunity to connect with our industry partners. Thanks to AGC Arkansas for hosting another great event!⛳️

Happy 4th of July from all of us at ACEF! 🇺🇸

As we celebrate our nation’s independence, we honor the hardworking individuals who help build stronger communities across Arkansas every day. We wish you and your family a safe, enjoyable holiday filled with time spent with those who matter most. Happy Independence Day!

In observance of Independence Day, the ACEF office will close at 3:00 PM on Thursday, July 2, and will be closed on Friday, July 3.

We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July weekend! 🇺🇸

Our 2025-2026 Pre-Apprenticeship class is a great example of what this program is all about! After completing the program and graduating, we’re proud to share that 90% of our 2025-2026 Pre-Apprenticeship graduates have entered career pathways in the trades by either securing employment or continuing their training through Registered Apprenticeship programs. Throughout the year, these high school seniors committed one night, four hours each week to building hands-on skills and preparing for careers in the construction industry.

Thank you to our instructors and employer partners for investing in these students and helping make opportunities like this possible!
Congratulations to our 2025-2026 Pre-Apprentices! We’re proud of all they’ve accomplished and look forward to following their success. 🎓