Available Courses
Agricultural Equipment Technician
Location: Cummins Unit
Awards Offered: ACSD Completion Certificate – Agricultural Equipment Technician
Entrance Requirements: Must be a farm worker at the Cummins Unit to be eligible for this program.
Program Description: This is an entry level program that prepares participants to perform a variety of duties required in the maintenance and operation of agricultural equipment.
*This program does not meet the requirements of a Parole Board stipulation
Program Courses
- Financial Literacy – 10 hours
- Learn about creating a budget, banking services and the basics of borrowing money.
- Agricultural Equipment Technician – 450 hours
- Learn about shop safety, farm machinery maintenance, agricultural equipment electrical systems, farm equipment, basic hydraulics, harvesting equipment, chassis and drive systems, diesel engines, and precision farm technology.
Barbering
Location: Grimes Unit
Awards Offered: ACSD Completion Certificate – Barbering
Entrance Requirements: Able to perform the basic job skills, completed initial assignment and must be at least a class II with no pending DRs.
Testing for State Barber License: Must meet all requirements of the State of Arkansas and the State Board of Barber Examiners.
Program Description: The purpose of this course is to train the student in the basic skills, educational judgments, safety judgments, proper work habits, and desirable attitudes necessary to obtain licensure as a barber.
Program Courses
- Workplace Human Relations – 35 hours
- Learn about searching for a job, preparing for an interview, effective communication, teamwork, workplace safety and more.
- Financial Literacy – 15 hours
- Learn about creating a budget, banking services and the basics of borrowing money.
- Barbering – 1,500 hours
- Learn the skills needed to pass state boards.
Barber Instructor
Location: Grimes Unit
Awards Offered: ACSD Completion Certificate – Barbering
Entrance Requirements: Able to perform the basic job skills, completed initial assignment and must be at least a class II with no pending DRs.
Testing for State Barber License: Must meet all requirements of the State of Arkansas and the State Board of Barber Examiners.
Program Description: The purpose of this course is to prepare the instructor trainee in the technical (instruction by demonstration, lecture, classroom participation, or examination) and practical (the actual performance of teaching techniques and principles) components of the profession.
Program Courses
- Workplace Human Relations – 35 hours
- Learn about searching for a job, preparing for an interview, effective communication, teamwork, workplace safety and more.
- Financial Literacy – 15 hours
- Learn about creating a budget, banking services and the basics of borrowing money.
- Barber Instructor – 600 hours
- Learn about the skills needed to teach a class of students, demonstrating the skills of barbering, preparing lessons and lectures, keeping student records, and more.
Basic Residential Mechanics
Location: Varner Unit
Awards Offered: NCCER Core and ACSD Completion Certificate – Basic Residential Mechanics
Entrance Requirements: Able to perform the basic job skills, completed initial assignment and must be at least a class II with no pending DRs.
Program Description: This is an exploratory program that introduces participants to the mechanical skills required to maintain motorized equipment used around the home. Basic Residential Mechanics will emphasize tool safety and familiarize students with basic auto and lawn equipment maintenance. This program will also prepare participants for other construction related ACSD-CTE programs.
*This program does not meet the requirements of a Parole Board stipulation
Program Courses
- NCCER Core: Introduction to Basic Construction Skills – 75 hours
- Learn about basic workplace safety, math used in construction, how to use basic hand and power tools. drawings used in construction, basic communication skills, basic employability skills, and when it is needed to use PPE.
- Basic Residential Mechanics – 150 hours
- Learn about lawn care equipment, automobile and tire maintenance.
Building and Grounds Maintenance
Location: Varner, East Arkansas Regional, and Ouachita River Correctional Units
Awards Offered: NCCER Core, NCCER Craft – Construction Technology and ACSD Completion Certificate – Building and Grounds Maintenance
Entrance Requirements: Able to perform the basic job skills, completed initial assignment and must be at least a class II with no pending DRs.
Program Description: This is an entry level program that prepares participants to perform a variety of duties in the maintenance of buildings and grounds.
Program Courses
- Workplace Human Relations – 35 hours
- Learn about searching for a job, preparing for an interview, effective communication, teamwork, workplace safety and more.
- Financial Literacy – 15 hours
- Learn about creating a budget, banking services and the basics of borrowing money.
- NCCER Core: Introduction to Basic Construction Skills – 77.5 hours
- Learn about basic workplace safety, math used in construction, how to use basic hand and power tools. drawings used in construction, basic communication skills, basic employability skills, and when it is needed to use PPE.
- NCCER Craft: Construction Technology – 352.5 hours
- Learn about masonry, floor systems, ceiling joists, roof framing, roofing, wall systems, exterior finishing, stair layouts, electrical safety, and more.
- Grounds Maintenance – 60 hours
- Learn about grounds maintenance equipment, landscape design/maintenance and grounds safety.
- Building Care – 60 hours
- Learn about custodial safety and sanitation, floor maintenance, wall care and windows and window coverings.
Building Trades – Basics
Location: Varner, East Arkansas Regional, and Ouachita River Correctional Units
Awards Offered: NCCER Core, and ACSD Completion Certificate – Building Trades – Basics
Entrance Requirements: Able to perform the basic job skills, completed initial assignment and must be at least a class II with no pending DRs.
Program Description: This is an exploratory program that introduces participants to the basics of the building trades. With an emphasis on safety, Building Trades – Basics will familiarize students with the safe use of tools and equipment commonly used at home or on a job-site. This program will also prepare participants for other construction related ACSD-CTE programs.
*This program does not meet the requirements of a Parole Board stipulation
Program Courses
- NCCER Core: Introduction to Basic Construction Skills – 75 hours
- Learn about basic workplace safety, math used in construction, how to use basic hand and power tools. drawings used in construction, basic communication skills, basic employability skills, and when it is needed to use PPE.
- Building Trades – Basics Practicum – 150 hours
- Learn about how to use layout tools and measurement tools, woodworking, metalworking, plumbing, electrical safety and welding.
Computer Applications Technology
Location: McPherson, Ouachita River Correctional, and Pine Bluff Units
Awards Offered: ACSD Completion Certificate – Computer Application Technology, Center for Financial Responsibility Personal Financial Literacy Certification and add-on certificate – Southwest Airlines Professional Communications Certification
Entrance Requirements: Able to perform the basic job skills, completed initial assignment and must be at least a class II with no pending DRs.
Program Description: This is an entry level program that is designed to provide participants a basic competency in office procedures, computer operating systems, and Microsoft Office products.
Program Courses
- Workplace Human Relations – 25 hours
- Learn about searching for a job, preparing for an interview, effective communication, teamwork, workplace safety and more.
- Financial Literacy – 75 hours
- Learn about creating a budget, banking services, the basics of borrowing money, home/car buying, retirement, estate planning, and more.
- Keyboarding – 60 hours
- Learn about workplace technology, computers, keyboarding techniques, Microsoft Offices software, internet basics and internet ethics and safety.
- Business Computer Applications – 340 hours
- Learn about computer operating systems, networking, Windows products, computer viruses, digital and written communication, research/presentation strategies and tactics, business correspondence, Microsoft Office basics and business budgeting.
Computer Science: Coding and Cybersecurity
Location: McPherson Unit
Awards Offered: ACSD Completion Certificate – Computer Science: Coding and Cybersecurity
Entrance Requirements: Able to perform the basic job skills, completed initial assignment and must be at least a class II with no pending DRs.
Program Description: This is an entry level program that is designed to provide participants a basic competency in computational thinking, problem solving, text-based coding, networks, and cybersecurity.
Program Courses
- Workplace Human Relations – 35 hours
- Learn about searching for a job, preparing for an interview, effective communication, teamwork, workplace safety and more.
- Financial Literacy – 15 hours
- Learn about creating a budget, banking services and the basics of borrowing money.
- Computational Thinking and Problem Solving – 50 hours
- Learn about programming algorithms and problem solving.
- Data, Information, and Security – 175 hours
- Learn about analyzing and utilizing data, digital footprints and cybersecurity.
- Algorithms and Programs – 175 hours
- Learn about computer program logic, debugging computer programs, and programming concepts.
- Computers and Communications – 80 hours
- Learn about utilizing computer software and hardware and communication methods and systems used to transmit information.
- Professionalism and Impacts of Computing – 70 hours
- Learn about the impacts of technology and professionalism within the computing community and basic technical information.
Computerized Accounting
Location: McPherson Unit
Awards Offered: ACSD Completion Certificate – Computerized Accounting
Entrance Requirements: Able to perform the basic job skills, completed initial assignment and must be at least a class II with no pending DRs.
Program Description: This is an entry level program that is designed to provide participants a basic competency in accounting procedures.
Program Courses
- Workplace Human Relations – 35 hours
- Learn about searching for a job, preparing for an interview, effective communication, teamwork, workplace safety and more.
- Financial Literacy – 15 hours
- Learn about creating a budget, banking services and the basics of borrowing money.
- Skill Building – 75 hours
- Learn about keyboarding and business communication.
- Introduction to Microsoft Office Applications – 90 hours
- Learn how to use Microsoft Office Applications.
- Business Math and the Electronic Calculator – 85 hours
- Learn about the basics of math used in business and the 10-key calculator.
- Accounting Procedures – 30 hours
- Learn about the accounting cycle for different industries, business cash and banking, payroll, sales and purchasing for a business, financial statement analysis and computer applications.
Cosmetology
Location: McPherson Unit
Awards Offered: ACSD Completion Certificate – Cosmetology
Entrance Requirements: Able to perform the basic job skills, completed initial assignment and must be at least a class II with no pending DRs.
Testing for State Barber License: Must meet all prerequisites required by the State of Arkansas and the State Board of Cosmetology Examiners.
Program Description: The purpose of this course is to train the student in the basic skills, educational judgments, safety judgments, proper work habits, and desirable attitudes necessary to obtain licensure as a cosmetologist.
Program Courses
- Workplace Human Relations – 35 hours
- Learn about searching for a job, preparing for an interview, effective communication, teamwork, workplace safety and more.
- Financial Literacy – 15 hours
- Learn about creating a budget, banking services and the basics of borrowing money.
- Cosmetology – 1,500 hours
- Learn the skills needed to pass state boards.
Cosmetology Instructor
Location: McPherson Unit
Awards Offered: ACSD Completion Certificate – Cosmetology Instructor
Entrance Requirements: Able to perform the basic job skills, completed initial assignment and must be at least a class II with no pending DRs.
Testing for State Barber License: Must meet all prerequisites required by the State of Arkansas and the State Board of Cosmetology Examiners.
Program Description: The purpose of this course is to train the student in the basic teaching skills, educational judgments, safety judgments, proper work habits, and desirable attitudes necessary to obtain licensure and for competency as an instructor or related position.
Program Courses
- Cosmetology Instructor – 600 hours
- Learn about the skills needed to teach a class of students, demonstrating the skills of cosmetology, preparing lessons and lectures, keeping student records, and more.
Food Service
Location: Varner Unit
Awards Offered: ServSafe Food Handler, ServSafe Manager and ACSD Completion Certificate – Food Service
Entrance Requirements: Able to perform the basic job skills, completed initial assignment and must be at least a class II with no pending DRs.
Program Description: This is an entry level program that teaches participants the basic food safety practices for preparing and serving food.
Program Courses
- Workplace Human Relations – 35 hours
- Learn about searching for a job, preparing for an interview, effective communication, teamwork, workplace safety and more.
- Financial Literacy – 15 hours
- Learn about creating a budget, banking services and the basics of borrowing money.
- ServSafe – 550 hours
- Learn about food safety, forms of contamination, the use of PPE and food, food time and temperature, purchasing, receiving and storing food, food preparation, food service, food safety management systems, pest management, and sanitizing.
Heavy Equipment Operator
Location: Varner Unit
Awards Offered: NCCER Core and ACSD Completion Certificate – Heavy Equipment Operator
Entrance Requirements: Able to perform the basic job skills, completed initial assignment and must be at least a class II with no pending DRs.
Program Description: This program introduces students to the knowledge base and technical skills required in the Heavy Equipment Industry.
Program Courses
- Workplace Human Relations – 35 hours
- Learn about searching for a job, preparing for an interview, effective communication, teamwork, workplace safety and more.
- Financial Literacy – 15 hours
- Learn about creating a budget, banking services and the basics of borrowing money.
- NCCER Core: Introduction to Basic Construction Skills – 75 hours
- Learn about basic workplace safety, math used in construction, how to use basic hand and power tools. drawings used in construction, basic communication skills, basic employability skills, and when it is needed to use PPE.
- NCCER Craft: Heavy Equipment Operator Level 1 – 75 hours
- Learn about heavy equipment safety, identifying the equipment, operational techniques, utility tractors, earth moving and graded surfaces.
- NCCER Craft: Heavy Equipment Operator Part 2 – 150 hours
- Learn about math used in excavation, site work, soil classification, loaders, backhoes, dozers and excavators.
- Sim Scholars – 110 hours
- Learn about the hydraulic excavator, track type tractor and dozer and small wheel loader.
- Heavy Equipment Operator Simulator Lab – 140 hours
- Participants will utilize the CAT virtual simulator to become familiar with the operation of heavy equipment.
Horticulture
Location: North Central Unit
Awards Offered: ACSD Completion Certificate – Horticulture
Entrance Requirements: Able to perform the basic job skills, completed initial assignment and must be at least a class II with no pending DRs.
Program Description: This is an entry level program that is designed to provide participants a fundamental understanding of the science of horticulture, food production, greenhouse and nursery crops, landscape management, and plant propagation.
Program Courses
- Workplace Human Relations – 35 hours
- Learn about searching for a job, preparing for an interview, effective communication, teamwork, workplace safety and more.
- Financial Literacy – 15 hours
- Learn about creating a budget, banking services and the basics of borrowing money.
- Introduction to Horticulture – 130 hours
- Learn about horticulture industry and careers, safety, basic plant and soil science and different types of greenhouses.
- Horticulture Plant Processes – 190 hours
- Learn about plant propagation, pest management, greenhouse crops and olericulture production.
- Greenhouse and Nursery Management – 130 hours
- Learn about plant identification, marketing and business procedures and container and field crop production.
- Landscape and Turfgrass – 100 hours
- Learn about landscape design, installation and maintenance, turfgrass installation, floristry and fruit and berry production.
HVAC
Location: Varner and East Arkansas Regional Units
Awards Offered: NCCER Core, NCCER Craft – HVAC and ACSD Completion Certificate HVAC
Entrance Requirements: Able to perform the basic job skills, completed initial assignment and must be at least a class II with no pending DRs.
Program Description: This is an entry level program that prepares participants to install, maintain, and repair heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
Program Courses
- Workplace Human Relations – 35 hours
- Learn about searching for a job, preparing for an interview, effective communication, teamwork, workplace safety and more.
- Financial Literacy – 15 hours
- Learn about creating a budget, banking services and the basics of borrowing money.
- NCCER Core: Introduction to Basic Construction Skills – 77.5 hours
- Learn about basic workplace safety, math used in construction, how to use basic hand and power tools. drawings used in construction, basic communication skills, basic employability skills, and when it is needed to use PPE.
- NCCER Craft: HVAC Level 1 – 240 hours
- Learn about career opportunities in HVAC basic principles of HVAC, math used in HVAC, basic electricity, heating and cooling systems, air distribution systems, copper and plastic piping practices, soldering and brazing and carbon steel pipe.
- NCCER Craft: HVAC Level 2 – 232.5 hours
- Learn about alternating current generation, compressors, refrigerants and oils, metering devices, heat pumps, basic maintenance of HVACR systems, chimneys, vents and flues, sheet metal duct systems, and more.
Landscape Construction and Design
Location: Randall L. Williams Unit
Awards Offered: NCCER Core and ACSD Completion Certificate – Landscape Construction and Design
Entrance Requirements: Able to perform the basic job skills, completed initial assignment and must be at least a class II with no pending DRs.
Program Description: This is an entry level program that prepares participants for employment in the landscaping industry. Participants gain practical experience in the design, construction, and maintenance of various landscape situations.
Program Courses
- Workplace Human Relations – 35 hours
- Learn about searching for a job, preparing for an interview, effective communication, teamwork, workplace safety and more.
- Financial Literacy – 15 hours
- Learn about creating a budget, banking services and the basics of borrowing money.
- NCCER Core: Introduction to Basic Construction Skills – 77.5 hours
- Learn about basic workplace safety, math used in construction, how to use basic hand and power tools. drawings used in construction, basic communication skills, basic employability skills, and when it is needed to use PPE.
- Landscape Construction and Design – 472.5 hours
- Learn about safety and first aid, landscape design, landscape plants, preparing a planting site, turf basics, lawn/athletic field maintenance, grading and drainage, irrigation, landscape equipment, paver installation, carpentry, and landscape maintenance
Office Basics – Keyboarding
Location: McPherson, Ouachita River Correctional, and Pine Bluff Units
Awards Offered: ACSD Completion Certificate – Office Basics – Keyboarding
Entrance Requirements: Able to perform the basic job skills, completed initial assignment and must be at least a class II with no pending DRs.
Program Description: This is an exploratory program that introduces participants to the basics of administrative office procedures. With an emphasis on keyboarding, Office Basics – Keyboarding will familiarize students with entry level office processes. This programs will also prepare participants for other computer related ACSD-CTE programs.
*This program does not meet the requirements of a Parole Board stipulation
Program Courses
- Workplace Human Relations – 35 hours
- Learn about searching for a job, preparing for an interview, effective communication, teamwork, workplace safety and more.
- Financial Literacy – 15 hours
- Learn about creating a budget, banking services and the basics of borrowing money.
- Skill Building – 175 hours
- Learn about keyboarding, office procedures, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
Pet Care and Management
Location: McPherson Unit
Awards Offered: ACSD Completion Certificate – Pet Care and Management
Entrance Requirements: Able to perform the basic job skills, completed initial assignment and must be at least a class II with no pending DRs.
Program Description: This is an entry level program that prepares participants to perform a variety of duties required in the care and management of small animals. While the textbook component will cover a variety of small animals, the practical component will be limited to canines.
*This program does not meet the requirements of a Parole Board stipulation
Program Courses
- Financial Literacy – 10 hours
- Learn about creating a budget, banking services and the basics of borrowing money.
- Pet Care and Management Independent Study and OJT – 280 hours
- Learn about different types of animals, benefits and responsibilities of owning companion animals, roles of animals in research, animal behavior, basic canine and feline anatomy, breeds of dogs, cats, and exotic companion animals, companion animal care and nutrition, common animal diseases and parasites, grooming, veterinary laws and ethics, veterinary terms and abbreviations and veterinary medical equipment.
- Paws in Prison – Professional Training Sessions – 35 hours
Plumbing
Location: Ouachita River Correctional Unit
Awards Offered: NCCER Core, NCCER Craft – Plumbing Level 1 and Level 2 and ACSD Completion Certificate – Plumbing
Entrance Requirements: Able to perform the basic job skills, completed initial assignment and must be at least a class II with no pending DRs.
Program Description: This is an entry level program that prepares participants to perform a variety of duties in the plumbing industry.
Program Courses
- Workplace Human Relations – 35 hours
- Learn about searching for a job, preparing for an interview, effective communication, teamwork, workplace safety and more.
- Financial Literacy – 15 hours
- Learn about creating a budget, banking services and the basics of borrowing money.
- NCCER Core: Introduction to Basic Construction Skills – 77.5 hours
- Learn about basic workplace safety, math used in construction, how to use basic hand and power tools. drawings used in construction, basic communication skills, basic employability skills, and when it is needed to use PPE.
- NCCER Craft: Plumbing Level 1 – 145 hours
- Learn about career opportunities in plumbing, plumbing safety, tolls of the trade, math used in plumbing, plumbing drawing, plastic, copper, cast-iron and steel pipe/fittings, fixtures in plumbing, DWV systems and water distribution systems.
- NCCER Craft: HVAC Level 2 – 170 hours
- Learn about reading commercial drawings, structural members, insulating pipe, and installing fire-stopping, installing and testing DWV piping, installing roof, floor, and area drains, installing water service and distribution systems, and more.
- Practicum – 157.5 hours
- Learn more commercial and residential plumbing repair.
Residential Carpentry
Location: Varner Unit
Awards Offered: NCCER Core, NCCER Craft – Carpentry Level 1 and Level 2 and ACSD Completion Certificate – Residential Carpentry
Entrance Requirements: Able to perform the basic job skills, completed initial assignment and must be at least a class II with no pending DRs.
Program Description: This is an entry level program that prepares participants to perform a variety of duties in the field of residential carpentry.
Program Courses
- Workplace Human Relations – 35 hours
- Learn about searching for a job, preparing for an interview, effective communication, teamwork, workplace safety and more.
- Financial Literacy – 15 hours
- Learn about creating a budget, banking services and the basics of borrowing money.
- NCCER Core: Introduction to Basic Construction Skills – 77.5 hours
- Learn about basic workplace safety, math used in construction, how to use basic hand and power tools. drawings used in construction, basic communication skills, basic employability skills, and when it is needed to use PPE.
- NCCER Craft: Carpentry Level 1 Fundamentals – 162.5 hours
- Learn about career opportunities in carpentry, building materials, hand and power tools, construction drawings, floor and wall systems, ceiling joists and roof framing, stair layout and building envelope systems.
- NCCER Craft: Carpentry Level 2 Framing and Finishing – 170 hours
- Learn about roofing applications, insulating materials, exterior finish materials, steel framing, drywall, cabinet installation and more.
- Carpentry Practicum – 140 hours
- Provides the opportunity for participants to apply the skills and knowledge learned.
Residential Electricity
Location: Varner Unit
Awards Offered: NCCER Core, NCCER Craft – Electrical Level 1 and ACSD Completion Certificate – Residential Electricity
Entrance Requirements: Able to perform the basic job skills, completed initial assignment and must be at least a class II with no pending DRs.
Program Description: This is an entry level program that prepares participants for employment in the electrical field. Participants learn the basic skills needed to be successful in a modern workplace.
Program Courses
- Workplace Human Relations – 35 hours
- Learn about searching for a job, preparing for an interview, effective communication, teamwork, workplace safety and more.
- Financial Literacy – 15 hours
- Learn about creating a budget, banking services and the basics of borrowing money.
- NCCER Core: Introduction to Basic Construction Skills – 77.5 hours
- Learn about basic workplace safety, math used in construction, how to use basic hand and power tools. drawings used in construction, basic communication skills, basic employability skills, and when it is needed to use PPE.
- NCCER Electrical Level 1 – 112.5 hours
- Learn about career opportunities in the electrical industry, workplace safety, electrical circuits, electrical theory, National Electrical Code, device boxes, raceways, wireways, and ducts, documents, wiring and test equipment.
- Residential Electricity Practicum – 360 hours
- Learn about planning for a wiring job, residential service entrances, rough-in wiring, service panel trim-out, troubleshooting electrical wiring systems, alternative energy systems and hands-on training.
Welding
Location: Varner, East Arkansas Regional and Ouachita River Correctional Units
Awards Offered: NCCER Core, NCCER Craft – Welding and ACSD Completion Certificate – Welding
Entrance Requirements: Able to perform the basic job skills, completed initial assignment and must be at least a class II with no pending DRs.
Program Description: This is an entry level program that prepares participants for employment in the welding/fabrication industry. Students learn the basic skills needed to be successful in a modern workplace.
Program Courses
- Workplace Human Relations – 35 hours
- Learn about searching for a job, preparing for an interview, effective communication, teamwork, workplace safety and more.
- Financial Literacy – 15 hours
- Learn about creating a budget, banking services and the basics of borrowing money.
- NCCER Core: Introduction to Basic Construction Skills – 77.5 hours
- Learn about basic workplace safety, math used in construction, how to use basic hand and power tools. drawings used in construction, basic communication skills, basic employability skills, and when it is needed to use PPE.
- NCCER: Welding 1 – 402.5 hours
- Learn about welding safety, oxyfuel, plasma arc and air carbon arc cutting, base metals, weld quality, arc welding equipment, electrode characteristics, striking an arc, joint fit-up and alignment, and more.
- NCCER Craft: Introduction to Welding 2 – 70 hours
- Learn about equipment and filler metals and more.
