10 Aug 2025 Powering futures

By Melissa Speer

Koontz Electric believes in more than powering facilities; the Morrilton-based business believes in powering futures. One of the company’s mottos is: “Don’t just dream about your future — build it!” That’s why Koontz invests in the next generation of skilled workers through two educational partnerships with the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton (UACCM): the Arkansas Construction Education Foundation (ACEF) Pre-Apprenticeship Program and the Koontz Promise Program. Both initiatives are helping build lives, careers and the workforce of tomorrow.

Now in its fourth year, Koontz’s Pre-Apprenticeship Program is a 20-week course designed for high school seniors interested in skilled trades. Created in collaboration with ACEF, it blends classroom instruction with hands-on experience and provides nationally recognized certifications, including OSHA 10 and CPR/First Aid.

Students also gain exposure to real-world job sites. So far, Koontz has hired 19 graduates directly from this program. In their second year of apprenticeship, these employees average ^$50,000 annually plus full benefits. That’s real income, real careers and real futures taking shape. Another 17 of the graduates have gone on to build successful careers in other trades.

For Alfredo Fernandez, a recent graduate, the experience was life-changing. “The Pre-Apprenticeship Program helped shape my decision to work in the electrical field,” he said. “It sparked more interest in working in this industry. I got lucky that Koontz hired me, and although I’ve only been here for a month, they are like a family to me.” Elijah Orsbun, a 2023 graduate, agreed. “The program gave me the opportunity to work for a good company, earn great money, and [gain] a good head start on the job,” he said.

For students interested in a technical college route, the Koontz Promise Program provides financial and career support to River Valley High School students enrolling at UACCM. This initiative covers all educational expenses not already funded by other sources for those studying welding, construction technology, or industrial maintenance and mechanical technology.

Students can begin as early as their sophomore year of high school, allowing them to get a jumpstart on their careers while earning their high school diploma. This early exposure accelerates learning and opens doors to financial independence and long-term stability. Best of all, it enables students to graduate debt-free with the assurance of a secure, well-paying job with Koontz. It’s more than a scholarship, it’s a promise of opportunity.

“In high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do until a recruiter came to our school and spoke to us about the Koontz Promise,” said Sam Hart, a recent graduate and Koontz hire. “I felt it was the right path for me. I chose to start attaining my associate’s degree while still in high school through UACCM. After graduation, Koontz hired me, and I’m glad I took this opportunity.”

“Both programs reflect Koontz Electric’s belief that investing in students is investing in the future,” said Melissa Speer, marketing and recruiting specialist at Koontz. “Through hands-on training, financial support and career path opportunities, Koontz is helping students gain more than just job skills; they are helping them achieve stability, purpose and pride.

“I’ve had the privilege of visiting schools, speaking with students, attending pre-apprenticeship classes, and guiding them through the hiring process. I’ve seen students go from uncertain to confident and excited about their future. Being part of that journey is incredibly rewarding and fuels my passion for this work.”

Koontz Electric is playing a role in shaping the future of the workforce through strong partnerships with ACEF and UACCM and through education, creating real change one student at a time.