Cleaner power for a brighter future

At Entergy Arkansas, we’re powering a brighter future by investing in clean, reliable energy to keep you safe and comfortable while fueling our economy.

Building clean power generation

We’re the largest solar power provider in Arkansas. By the end of 2024, we will have at least 7,100 acres of solar arrays currently operating or under development. Together, our facilities will provide enough clean power to energize more than 130,000 homes.

Modernizing the grid

We’re improving reliability and customer service by upgrading our critical infrastructure and have installed new advanced meters – giving you more confidence and control at your fingertips.

Supporting our communities

We’ve been serving Arkansans for over a century, with nearly 2,800 employees and over 728,000 customers. We’re honored to have been named a Top Economic Development Utility by Site Selection magazine.

Learn more at entergyarkansas.com/brightfuture

BROOKE WALLACE Publisher brooke@arktimes.com

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PUBLISHED BY ALAN LEVERITT Publisher alan@arktimes.com

©2023 ARKANSAS TIMES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP 201 E. MARKHAM ST., SUITE 150 LITTLE ROCK, AR 72201 501-375-2985

Dear Reader:

If you’re reading this, Congratulations! You’ve just taken the first step toward a rewarding career in the skilled professions. We’re glad for your interest.

For years leading up to the pandemic, Arkansas companies — as well as those across the country — have been desperate to attract and retain enough trades craftspeople to build infrastructure, service homes and businesses and keep our factories running. COVID-19 only made matters worse as some 8 million skilled workers were displaced in 2020, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Three years later, only half of those jobs have been refilled, making a difficult situation even more of a national emergency.

Blueprint was created to help address the shortage of skilled workers in Arkansas by providing timely, up-to-date and factual information about the opportunities that exist for people who learn a trade. Inside, we provide the latest pay scales, education options, in-demand jobs and real-life stories of people who are building a career and providing for their families in jobs ranging from electrician, advanced manufacturing and plumbing, to welding, information technology and allied health fields.

In this year’s edition, we are pleased to spotlight two Arkansas industries offering outstanding career options: defense and aerospace companies in Camden and the steel industry in Blytheville. We also salute one of the biggest manufacturing success stories in The Natural State right now with an in-depth look at Nucor-Yamato Steel and Nucor Steel Arkansas, which are transforming lives and economies in northeast Arkansas.

Whether you’re a high schooler pondering your future or an underemployed worker looking for a fresh start, there’s a good chance you’ll find what you’re looking for in a skilled job. As you build your career, you will earn the additional satisfaction of knowing you’re also building America’s strength through Arkansas grit.

Thank you for picking up Blueprint!

Alan Leveritt Publisher Arkansas Times/BLUEPRINT Magazine