When thinking about Arkansas’s energy future, one name stands out: Flywheel Energy. Responsible for over 90% of oil and gas production in the state per the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission, Flywheel is not just powering Arkansas homes and businesses — the company is building economic momentum for communities across the state. 

Now a multi-basin operator, the fifth largest privately held producer in the U.S. traces its roots to a single shale play: the Fayetteville. What started as a focused bet on an often-overlooked formation has grown, with the help of over 200 homegrown Arkansas oil and gas pros, into an operation that has optimized thousands of wells and produces over 700 MMcf of dry gas. 

Where others chased more traditional plays, Flywheel saw something different in the Fayetteville, not just hydrocarbons, but talent. The company believes Arkansas professionals can not only compete in the oil and gas industry but lead it. 

That belief is driving investment in the next generation. Flywheel’s Arkansas-specific trainee program creates a direct pathway for young Arkansans to launch long-term careers in the industry, pairing on-the-job technical training with the life skills needed to build a lasting future. To apply, driven candidates need only a basic understanding of mechanical systems and a genuine passion for hands-on learning and problem solving. 

During the 90-day program, trainees develop practical expertise in optimizing natural gas production, performing equipment repairs, and supporting midstream pipeline maintenance. At the end of the program, trainees are evaluated for full-time placement, and if selected, individuals are matched to roles that align their individual strengths with company needs. Since the inception of the program, Flywheel has promoted over 50 trainees to full-time positions, with a current class of 12 underway. 

The case is compelling. As university costs continue to climb and interest in skilled trades reaches record highs, Flywheel has built an alternative worth serious consideration. Trainees who are promoted to a full-time role earn a starting salary between $55,000-$60,000 per year — 20% higher than that of the average Arkansas college graduate. In addition to salary, employees gain low-cost health insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) with a generous employer match. It’s an opportunity to gain not only skills but meaningful rewards, without the time or cost of a degree. 

Guided by a purpose to build momentum where it matters, Flywheel extends its investment mindset to the broader Arkansas economy. By prioritizing local hiring, partnering with regional vendors, and maintaining a strong operational presence in the state, Flywheel keeps opportunity circulating close to home, strengthening local businesses, reinforcing community stability, and ensuring that the economic benefits of Arkansas energy production are felt by Arkansans first. 

Flywheel’s story isn’t only about what comes out of the ground. It’s about what gets built above it — careers, communities, and an economy with the momentum to last.