St. Louis Fed data show Arkansas apprenticeships rise to 10,000 by 2025
New data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis indicates that the number of registered, paid apprenticeships in Arkansas has grown substantially over the past decade, reaching about 10,000 in 2025. The data were discussed at a workshop in Fort Smith with local and regional employers. This explainer breaks down what the numbers show, who is affected, and practical next steps for workers, students, and employers.
What changed in the apprenticeship data
Arkansas’ registered apprenticeships rose from about 5,400 in 2008 to 4,300 by 2015, then climbed steadily to around 10,000 by 2025. All apprenticeships counted are paid positions. The data come from a federal reserve regional study that focuses on the eight-state district that includes Arkansas. The trend described reflects a recovery from the late-2000s recession and ongoing growth in apprenticeship programs.
Who is affected by the changes
Young workers and students who enter paid apprenticeship programs are directly affected, as are participating employers across Arkansas and neighboring states in the district who host apprentices. The workers gain paid on-the-job training and related instruction, while employers gain access to skilled labor pipelines and workforce development support discussed at the Fort Smith workshop. The data do not specify which industries account for the most apprenticeships within the state.
Practical next steps for readers
- For job seekers and students: explore local apprenticeship programs through community colleges, workforce centers, or employer outreach offices to identify paid, structured training paths.
- For employers: consider expanding apprenticeship offerings and coordinating with workforce development partners to align programs with in-demand occupations.
- For policymakers and educators: track apprenticeship participation in curriculum planning and provide information about funding or incentives that support paid training.
Limits of the data and open questions
The report notes overall growth but does not break out which industries or regions within Arkansas contributed most to the increase. It also does not compare registered (formal) apprenticeships to non-registered programs or describe completion rates. Readers should not infer statewide employment outcomes beyond the counted apprenticeships without additional sources.
Which sources did Setup in Bahrain review?
Setup in Bahrain reviewed the following source material before preparing this explanatory article.
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- talkbusiness.net — evidence source reviewed for this article.
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