Trails Trade School and Construction Technology
NWACC’s Trails Trade School and Construction Technology Division (“Trails and Trades”) offers programs in a range of dynamic industries including trails, bicycle repair, construction, skilled trades and integrated design. Programs are taught by industry experts who provide you with hands-on training and in-demand skills that prepare you for a fulfilling career.
View the programs below to learn more about short-term and high-impact industry training that’s within your reach.
Apprenticeship Programs and Trades
Bicycle Technician Program
Construction Technology
Integrated Design
Trail Construction and Management
Apprenticeship & Skilled Trades Programs
Developed to address the growing trade skills needs in the area, Registered Apprenticeship programs allow students to work in and study their trade concurrently. Upon completion of one of our United States Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeships, students become eligible to take State licensing exams (Residential Electrician, Interior Electrician and Plumber). We also offer workforce training in Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning. Classes are held on campus and involve classroom work as well as hands-on training.
Heating, Ventilation And Air Conditioning (HVAC) Program
Program Length: 18 Months (324 contact hours)
Curriculum Description: This Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning course is conducted over three semesters and utilizes both classroom and hands-on training taught by qualified experts in the trade. Students learn theory, tools and equipment of the trade, energy efficiency and green installation techniques, safety, and trouble-shooting. This course is designed for individuals seeking skills to enter the HVAC industry and for those wanting to expand their knowledge of the trade. Students will have the opportunity to take the EPA exam during the HVAC Level III class during regularly scheduled class hour, at no additional cost. This includes a study text, instruction, and exam. Courses must be taken in the order listed.
Required Courses:
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XHVC 9011 - HVAC Level I - 108 hrs.
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XHVC 9012 - HVAC Level II - 108 hrs.
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XHVC 9005 - HVAC Systems Level III - 108 hrs.
Interior Electrician Apprenticeship Program
Program Length: 4 years (576 classroom hours)
Prerequisites: Students employed under the supervision of a Master Electrician licensed in Arkansas.
Curriculum Description: The program provides expert training to students seeking a career as an electrician. The Apprenticeship program is a minimum four-year program sanctioned by the US Department of Labor, and the Arkansas Office of Apprenticeship Training. The program requires both classroom instruction hours (144 contact hours/year) as well as on-the-job training hours (2000 hours/year). The classes are held one night per week in four-hour sessions. The student will receive an apprentice electrician license, issued by the State of Arkansas Department of Labor & Licensing, while an active participant in this program. Upon completion of the 576 classroom hours and 8000 hours of on- the-job training, the student will be eligible to take the Journeyworker Electrician Exam, administered by the State of Arkansas.
Required Courses:
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Electrical Apprenticeship Level 1 - 144 hrs.
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XELC 1203 - Electrical Skills I and XELC 1201L - Electrician Licensure I
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Electrical Apprenticeship Level 2 - 144 hrs.
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XELC 1403 - Electrical Skills II and XELC 1401L - Electrician Licensure II
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Electrical Apprenticeship Level 3 - 144 hrs.
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XELC 2203 - Electrical Skills III and XELC 2201L - Electrician Licensure III
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Electrical Apprenticeship Level 4 - 144 hrs.
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XELC 2403 - Electrical Skills IV and XELC 2401L - Electrician Licensure IV
Residential Wireworker Apprenticeship Program
Program Length: 2 years (288 classroom hours)
Prerequisites: Students employed under the supervision of a Master electrician licensed in Arkansas.
Curriculum Description: The program provides expert training to students seeking a career as a residential electrician. The Apprenticeship program is a minimum two-year program sanctioned by the US Department of Labor, and the Arkansas Office of Apprenticeship Training. The program requires both classroom instruction hours (144 contact hours/year) as well as on-the-job training hours (2000 hours/ year). The classes are held one night per week in four-hour sessions. The student will receive an apprentice electrician license, issued by the State of Arkansas Department of Labor & Licensing, while an active participant in this program. Upon completion of 288 classroom hours and 4000 hours of on- the-job training, the student will be eligible to take the Residential Journeyworker Electrician Exam, administered by the State of Arkansas. For the residential wireworker program the 4000 hours on-the-job training must be in residential electrician experience.
Required Courses:
Electrical Apprenticeship Level 1 - 144 hrs.
Plumber Apprenticeship Program
Program Length: 4 years (640 classroom hours)
Prerequisites: Students must be employed under the supervision of a Master Plumber licensed Arkansas.
Curriculum Description: The program provides expert training to students seeking a career as a plumber. The Apprenticeship program is a minimum 4-year program sanctioned by the US Department of Labor, and the Arkansas Office of Apprenticeship Training. The program requires both classroom instruction hours (160 contact hours/year) as well as on-the-job training hours (2000/year).
The classes are held one night per week for four hours. The student will receive an apprentice plumber license, issued by the State of Arkansas, while an active participant in this program. Upon completion of 640 classroom hours and 8000 hours of on-the-job training, the student will be eligible to take the Journeyworker Plumber Exam, administered by the State of Arkansas.
Required Courses:
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Plumbing Apprenticeship Level 1 - 160 hrs.XPLM 1203 - Plumbing Skills I and XPLM 1201L - Plumber Licensure I
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Plumbing Apprenticeship Level 2 - 160 hrs.XPLM 1403 - Plumbing Skills II and XPLM 1401L - Plumber Licensure II
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Plumbing Apprenticeship Level 3 - 160 hrs.XPLM 2203 - Plumbing Skills III and XPLM 2201L - Plumber Licensure III
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Plumbing Apprenticeship Level 4 - 160 hrs.
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XPLM 2403 - Plumbing Skills IV and XPLM 2401L - Plumber Licensure IV
Trades & Apprenticeship Program Registration Policies and Procedures
All apprentices must have employment sponsorship with a licensed Arkansas Masters of the trade to register into Apprenticeship Programs. Registration is required within 30 days of employment. To attend classes, all apprentices must register and pay associated tuition and fees for the program each year. Past due balances will need to be reconciled with the Treasurer’s office before registration into the program can be processed. If an employer agrees to pay tuition while you are in their employment and employment ends with that employer, it is the student’s responsibility to notify Western Arkansas Apprenticeship Program at NWACC and relay work status information. It is also the Apprentice’s responsibility to notify the Western Arkansas Apprenticeship Program at NWACC of an employment change or an intent to continue school in the interim, and then make arrangements for payment, if applicable. Students must notify Western Arkansas Apprenticeship Program at NWACC of potential previous experience credit or programs previously attended at the time of registration.
Apprenticeship Program Payment Policies and Procedures
A Payment Plan is available, allowing for a down payment and auto-drafted payments withdrawn on a monthly basis. Early registration allows for smaller monthly payments. The processing fee for the TouchNet Payment Plan is $30 per semester and is nonrefundable. Contact the NWACC Treasurer’s Office or visit https://www.nwacc.edu/treasurer/paymentplans.aspx for more information. Tuitions and refunds are processed on a pro-rated basis throughout the Apprenticeship term. Apprenticeship students will not have a license ordered until payment arrangements are in place.
TouchNet Student Payment Plan
The Student Payment Plan is available each semester for all programs and gives individuals a convenient, interest-free way to budget tuition and fees. TouchNet is available for individuals registering in any class or combination of classes totaling $75 or more at time of registration. Individuals may enroll in a TouchNet Payment Plan at the time of registration or at any time prior to the start date of their class. However, Individuals will receive a confirmation of enrollment in a Payment Plan by e-mail (NWACC) or a receipt/printout at the time of enrollment. Payments are processed via a credit card or automatic bank payments from a student or parent’s checking or savings account.
The earlier the student enrolls for a payment plan, the more payment options are available to the student. TouchNet is not a loan program; there is no debt, no credit search, and no interest or finance charge assessed by TouchNet on the unpaid balance. There is a $30 per registration, non-refundable, enrollment fee. Failed ACH/e-Check payments on the plan will result in a $25 return fee being added to your NWACC account. Failed payments via a credit/debit card will continue to process daily until it is successful in receiving the payment.
Third Party Payment
If a third party (employer or a government agency) will be paying tuition and fees on behalf of a student directly to NWACC, a Letter of Authorization or Letter of Intent to bill the employer or agency must be received prior to class start. The Treasurer’s Office will bill the employer or agency once the authorization or signed Letter of Intent has been received. Any part of the tuition and fees not covered by the third party must be paid at the time of registration by the student or a TouchNet payment plan can be set up for the remainder of unpaid tuition and fees. Note: An individual may NOT be invoiced as a third party. For questions regarding third party billing, please call (479) 936-5108.
Cancelled Classes
Individuals who are enrolled in classes that have been cancelled will receive a 100% credit/refund of tuition and fees for the cancelled classes, minus the TouchNet payment fee, if applicable. Although every attempt will be made to contact students in the event a class is cancelled, it is the student’s responsibility to check on the status of your class prior to attending. Due to State mandated regulations for the Apprenticeship programs, classes will be held throughout the yearly term. In the event of college closings or instructor absences, make-up classes will be made available to students.
Refunds
Students may be eligible for a refund if the student officially drops from classes within the specified refund periods (see specific program refund policies). An official drop form is completed by the student (link located on WED specific program webpage) when the Account Executive or Program Director has been properly notified and a drop form has been processed. If tuition and fees were paid in cash, check a check will be mailed to the student. If the student enrolls in a Payment plan, they may choose for the refund to be credited back to their savings or checking account.
Apprenticeship Program Refund Policy
Full refunds will be issued, (less nonrefundable fees), for drop requests received prior to the first class meeting. After the first class meeting, refunds will be issued on a pro-rated basis.
Returned Checks
If a check made payable to NWACC is returned by the student’s bank for any reason, the student’s records will be placed on “HOLD” and the student will be charged a returned check fee of $25 for each returned check.
Apprenticeship Programs Drop/Withdraw Policy
Apprentices may drop from the program at any time by notifying Western Arkansas Apprenticeship Program at NWACC by emailing apprenticeship@nwacc.edu or calling 479-986-4084.
Apprentices who have excessive absenteeism may be subject to being dropped from the program with the potential of no credit given. Apprentices who have been dropped from the program must apply for reinstatement into the program with the Program Advisory Committee.
It is the student’s responsibility to complete and submit appropriate program Drop/Withdraw/Transfer Forms within the specified class refund periods.
Refer to Class Drop/Withdraw/Transfer (Non-Credit) Policy (10003) for the most recent procedures.
Apprenticeship Programs Grading Policy
Individuals enrolled in Apprenticeship Programs will receive a grade of A, B, C, D, FP, or F, based on classroom work, quizzes, exams, lab work, attitude, participation and attendance. A grade of “C” or better for all classes is required for successful course completion. Apprentices not earning a grade of “C” may be required to repeat the year and/or class hours not credited toward completion. Those wanting to appeal grades can submit a request for review, in writing, to the Program Advisory Committee.
Students will receive a “U” for any courses in which they fail to attend and/or do not adhere to the Class Drop/Add/Withdrawal Policy (Non-Credit).
Bicycle Assembly and Repair Technician
Technical Certificate in Bicycle Assembly and Repair: 33 Credit Hours
Bicycle Assembly & Repairs Technical Certificate - Degree Plan
Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or advanced cycling enthusiast, NWACC’s unique location within Northwest Arkansas and along the Missouri trailhead offers you access to affordable, industry-recognized bicycle technician training that can enhance your hobby or put you on the trail to a career in the cycling industry.
In a year’s time, you can earn a Bicycle Industry Employers Association (BIEA) - accredited certification in bicycle assembly and repair and gain skills in bicycle mechanics, wheel repair and assembly, bearing and suspension systems, service department operations, electric bikes and more.
The Technical Certificate in Bicycle Assembly and Repair consists of 27 hours of accredited Bicycle Industry Employer’s Association curriculum and 6 hours of general education credits. The principal mission of the NWACC Bicycle Assembly and Repair Technical Certificate is to prepare students for immediate employment in technical positions in the bicycle industry, including preparing students with the skills needed to meet challenges, think critically, solve problems, serve customers and position themselves for future success as bicycle technicians, retailers, and manufacturers. The TC in Bicycle Assembly and Repair stacks fully into NWACC’s Associate of Applied Science in General Technology, which transfers completely to Arkansas Tech University’s online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership. Courses in the TC in Bicycle Assembly and Repair must be taken co-requisitely at the 1000 and 2000 level, with successful completion of one semester’s worth of BIEA accredited classes granting matriculation into the second.
Required Courses:
BIEA Program Learning Outcomes
Students will:
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Demonstrate ability to assemble and repair all types of bicycles currently in use.
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Apply foundational skills and knowledge to continuing professional development in response to changes in bicycle technology.
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Apply knowledge of systems and measures to find solutions to novel repair situations.
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Provide solutions that balance business, customer, and professional goals.
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Demonstrate ethical conduct in all jobs and personal cycling activities that maintains an image appropriate for the profession.
Bicycle Maintenance Fundamentals
This non-credit course covers some commonly required services for key areas of the bicycle. Through a combination of lectures and hands-on instruction, students will be able to address many of their own bicycle service needs. This course is designed for the home “mechanic.” Classes will introduce a variety of topics including braking systems, drivetrains, pneumatics, and more. This course requires tools to be purchased. Class meeting schedules are announced each semester.
Bicycle Assembly and Repair Technician Withdraw Policy
Students who wish to withdraw from a class or classes should first consult with their instructor or with an academic advisor.
Drop/withdrawal from class should be completed by the student on-line or in person by completing an official drop form.
At NorthWest Arkansas Community College, a grade of “W” will not appear on a student’s transcript if the class is dropped during the refund period designated in the academic calendar. A student who withdraws from a class after the above mentioned refund period will receive a letter grade of “W” on the official transcript if the drop is made within the specified withdrawal time period, as per the Academic Calendar.
Refer to Withdrawal from Credit Course (4004) for the most recent procedures.
Bicycle Assembly and Repair Technician Grading Policy
For detailed explanation of Grading Policy, refer to the grading section of this catalog.
Construction Technology
By pursuing a certificate or degree in Construction Technology, you’ll learn the materials of construction, residential and commercial methods, industry codes and regulations, and survey techniques, as well as how to estimate, schedule and manage small and large projects.
Associate of Applied Science Degree Length: 60 Credit Hours
Technical Certificate
Certificate of Proficiency
Degree Description: This degree focuses on training today’s building construction professionals seeking initial employment or internal advancement. Designed by local industry advisors, completers of this degree program will gain the skills and credentials needed to enter the vibrant construction industry.
This credit program offers an Associate of Applied Science degree. Classes are held on campus and involve classroom work as well as hands-on training.
Construction Technology Withdraw Policy
Students who wish to withdraw from a class or classes should first consult with their instructor or with an academic advisor.
Drop/withdrawal from class should be completed by the student on-line or in person by completing an official drop form.
At NorthWest Arkansas Community College, a grade of “W” will not appear on a student’s transcript if the class is dropped during the refund period designated in the academic calendar. A student who withdraws from a class after the above mentioned refund period will receive a letter grade of “W” on the official transcript if the drop is made within the specified withdrawal time period, as per the Academic Calendar.
Refer to Withdrawal from Credit Course (4004) for the most recent procedures.
Construction Technology Grading Policy
For detailed explanation of Grading Policy, refer to the grading section of this catalog.
Design Thinking
Integrated Design Lab
As the design and construction industries grow in Northwest Arkansas, WED, Construction, and Visual Arts have partnered to offer students a Technical Certificate in Integrated Design option that provides strong foundations in creative entrepreneurial ideas and design-thinking principles. An emerging trend both nationally and locally across industries is the demand for trained workers with strong design-related skills. Industries today seek potential workers with strong design skills including an ability to articulate an abstract design into an effective and efficiently built product.
Creators in the new state-of-the-art Integrated Design Lab on the Bentonville campus will work in a space that supports sculptures, ceramics, a Fab Lab with 3D printers, a CNC router, laser cutting equipment, and other tools that promote innovation. The IDL is an anchor and a catalyst for regional design, fabrication and construction ecosystems.
Integrated Design Technical Certificate - Degree Plan
Integrated Design-Certificate of Proficiency
Trails Construction and Management
NWACC’s Trail Technician program teaches you the essential skills and techniques required to create and maintain well-designed, safe and sustainable mountain bike trails. Expert instructors guide you through the intricacies of trail construction, maintenance and the principles of conservation.
You can quickly earn a certificate of proficiency or technical certificate in the field of trails and be prepared for various trail careers such as a crew member, manager, project manager or designer.
NWACC also offers the option to apply your earned course credits toward an Associate of Applied Science in General Technology, which can easily transfer to Arkansas Tech University and be applied toward a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership.
Technical Certificates
Certificate of Proficiency
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