For hundreds of Arkansas students, career exploration didn’t come in the form of brochures or presentations—it came with gloves, hard hats and hands-on experience.

Roughly 1,800 students from 89 schools stepped directly into the world of skilled trades at the Central Arkansas Build My Future event, hosted by the Associated Builders and Contractors of Arkansas at the Conway Expo and Event Center. Instead of simply hearing about careers, students experienced them.

“This event really allowed students to get hands-on experience in trade industries, which is pretty rare,” said Tara Denton, Entergy Arkansas customer service manager. “When we typically go to a career event, we are just talking to the students about what we do. Build My Future, we were able to show them and even give them an opportunity to do the work themselves.”

Entergy Arkansas employees played a key role in bringing that experience to life. Students were invited to suit up in gloves and hard hats and reenact real-world tasks.

 “We had students close in line switches and repair a downed power line,” said Entergy Arkansas Senior Safety Specialist Corey George. “Outside, we had our Arcs and Sparks demonstration, which is always a hit.”

Beyond the hands-on activities, the event also sparked meaningful connections.

“It was truly special to see how proud those guys are to represent Entergy, show off what they do every day and be a role model for these kids,” Denton said.

“I love seeing kids get interested in our line of work, whether it’s an administrative job, engineering, linework, or substation,” George said.

The event also highlighted Entergy Arkansas’s broader commitment to workforce development through its Next Generation Arkansas initiative. One of the plan’s key pillars is Job Power, which focuses on creating opportunities that strengthen the state’s economy and support long-term growth for the next generation of Arkansans.

“It’s important to let students know what jobs are available in their own communities,” George said. “Most students don’t realize you don’t always have to go off to college to have a great career, we have it right here at home just waiting for them.”

Through events like Build My Future, Entergy Arkansas is showcasing career opportunities and inspiring the next generation to step into them, because when Arkansas builds Arkansas, the entire state moves forward.