09 Jun 2025 Koontz Electric hosts largest Pre-Apprenticeship Graduation to date

On May 5, Koontz Electric Company proudly hosted the graduation ceremony for its largest group of pre-apprenticeship students to date at its Morrilton location. In partnership with the Arkansas Construction Education Foundation (ACEF), the program celebrated the accomplishments of 24 students who completed the rigorous 20-week course aimed at preparing them for careers in the skilled trades.

The pre-apprenticeship program, run through ACEF and taught by industry professionals at Koontz Electric, gives students a real-world introduction to life in the workforce. Over the course of the program, participants developed foundational skills in employability, workplace communication, and safety. They gained hands-on experience with hand and power tools, construction drawings, and equipment—essential competencies for anyone entering the construction industry.

Students also benefited from unique off-site learning opportunities, including a trip to the Whillock Hydro Plant and to the University of Arkansas Community College in Morrilton, where they participated in a basic welding course. Upon graduation, each student walked away with industry-recognized certifications in CPR/First Aid and OSHA 10—valuable additions to any résumé.

But the rewards didn’t end there. Graduates also received a generous stipend and a set of professional tools. Perhaps most importantly, successful completion of the ACEF program earns participants a top spot on Koontz Electric’s hiring list, giving them a major head start in launching their careers in electrical and other construction trades.

“Our goal is to help students not only envision a career in the trades but to give them a real, tangible path to get there,” said Melissa Speer, a Koontz Electric representative. “These students are walking away with the skills, the credentials, and the confidence to step directly into the workforce.”

With a growing demand for skilled workers, programs like this one are helping bridge the gap by connecting motivated young people with meaningful opportunities.

As Koontz Electric puts it:

“Don’t just dream about your future—build it.”