LIFE IN THE FAST LANE
With NWA ’ s ever-growing population , a career in road building has longevity .
APAC-CENTRAL builds roads like Interstate 49 and the new Springdale bypass , and its quarries produce the asphalt and concrete used in construction projects throughout our community . Some of APAC ’ s many careers include diesel technicians , construction supervisors , and equipment operators . No matter what your job is at the company , you ’ re part of APAC ’ s family of families .
Ernesto Peña and his son Jesus are just one example . Both work as mechanics repairing big construction equipment . Ernesto started with APAC after he was laid off at a different company .
“ I wanted to keep working so I could buy a swing set for my kids ,” he recalls . “ A temp agency sent me to APAC and I was offered a full time job a few weeks later . APAC sent me to school so I could learn new skills . I love what I ’ m doing and I was blessed to find this place .”
Jesus followed his dad to APAC as soon as he turned 18 . “ I knew I wanted to do this type of work . As a kid I was always taking my toys apart and trying to put them back together ,” he says . The Springdale High graduate had some job experience , but got most of his training at APAC . Jesus credits a high school class with helping find his career . “ I took an agriculture class and that helped me decide this is what I really wanted to do . They teach you a lot .”
Greg Fuller built a career as a machinist at APAC and his son also works for the company . “ I didn ’ t think I ’ d stay a year when I first started , but then I wound up liking it ,” Fuller says . He ’ s now been with APAC more than 17 years . “ I like that it ’ s different every day . If you want to get started in this field you need your education and certification , but hands-on learning is best .”
Supervisor Linda Lewis is an example of what hands-on learning can lead to . She ’ s been with APAC more than 30 years . “ I got into the construction business by accident ,” she laughs . “ I was working for another company and as a woman they didn ’ t want to let me do anything . I told my boss they ’ d hired the wrong person !” She joined APAC as a certified crane operator but that wasn ’ t all she could do . “ I learned how to weld , use a torch , tie rebar , lay beams- I ’ ve done it all !” Lewis believes more women should consider careers in construction . “ Now is the time for women in this field . There are so many opportunities for anyone , women and men . If you are professional and can show you ’ re a hard worker , you ’ ll earn respect .”
New hire Jordan Hawkins is getting his hands-on experience thanks to a mentor . He works at APAC ’ s quarry in Hindsville alongside Ted Peaks , an equipment operator . “ I knew I wanted to be in construction because I can ’ t sit still , I like to be doing something ,” Hawkins explains . Peaks makes sure Hawkins learns about the business and how to work safely . “ Besides working together we meet once a week to learn about safety fundamentals and how they apply to the job every day ,” Peaks says . Hawkins agrees it ’ s a big help . “ It can be overwhelming with all this equipment you ’ ve never seen before . I know I can ask him if I have a question or concern and it makes me feel like I belong .”
To join the APAC family , you need to be 18 years old . You must also be able to pass a drug test , physical assessment and background check . To learn more about career opportunities , visit apaccentralinc . com .
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