AIM Magazine 2017 Print_AIM Magazine_2017_web | Page 57

“This is a company that truly invests in its employees. If you give 100%, they’ll give you back 110%. They take care of their people.” president of marketing and communications for OzarksGo. “This new service is creating more than 200 jobs.” and includes on-the-job training and class work. At the end of the apprenticeship you can become a certified line technician. “You don’t need prior experience to become an apprentice,” Coker explains. “We look for people who have a clean driving record, good work ethic and a mechanical aptitude – people who grew up fixing their bikes or know how to change a flat tire.” He says apprentices can earn more money as they move through the program. “There are five levels: apprentice one, two and three, line tech and first class line tech. You’ll earn a pay raise for each level you successfully complete.” Coker says apprentices who complete the program – like he did— often go on to build long-term, successful careers at Ozarks Electric. “This is a company that truly invests in its employees. If you give 100%, they’ll give you back 110%. They take care of their people.” The growing company also needs more people for its OzarksGo division. “We’re building our broadband fiber network now and will have it complete in seven years. We started in Springdale and our goal is to serve all our members,” explains Ashley Harris, the vice CAREERS Those careers include network engineers, fiber optics technicians, installation specialists, construction supervisors and quality control and technical support representatives. “Some of these careers require some training, such as an Associate degree or related work experience,” Harris says. She says OzarksGo offers opportunities to move up in your career. “For example, a fiber optics technician could move up to a position as a network engineer. If you’re doing installation work, you could advance into roles in construction or quality control. And construction team members have opportunities to move up to supervisory or manage- ment roles.” Both Ozarks Electric and OzarksGo will help you learn new skills to build your career. “We will pay for any type of certification or training that helps with your job,” says Harris. The Co- operative’s program also offers scholarships for graduating seniors – including one to attend Arkansas State University’s High Voltage Lineman certification program. Ozarks Electric was also named one of the Best Places to Work in Arkansas for 2017 by the Arkansas Business and Best Companies Group. To learn more about current opportunities and apply online, scan the code with your phone. SCAN TO APPLY LINE TECHNICIANS MEMBER RELATIONS NETWORK ENGINEERS FIBER OPTICS TECHNICIANS INSTALLATION SPECIALISTS CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISORS QUALITY CONTROL TECHNICAL SUPPORT REPRESENTATIVES SPRINGDALE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | 57