Advanced Manufacturing & Welding Programs

The Arkansas State University (ASU) System is expanding advanced manufacturing and welding education across Arkansas through coordinated programs and development of the Career Readiness Education & Skills Training (CREST) Center in Jonesboro.

A $15 million, 26,000-square-foot first phase of the CREST Center will enhance workforce training in:

• Advanced manufacturing
• Food processing
• Steel production

The ASU System offers stackable credentials, including certificates, technical certificates, and associate degrees, enabling students to build progressive career pathways.

Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University, with partners ASU-Newport and Arkansas Northeastern College, is creating the new Career Readiness Education & Skills Training (CREST) Center to develop job-ready talent in Northeast Arkansas. A $10.5-million, 20,000-square-foot first phase of the CREST Center will be built to enhance workforce training opportunities in advanced manufacturing, food processing and steel production. The programs offer stackable credentials that can be earned step by step, helping participants build valuable industry skills.

With a Certificate in Advanced Materials and Manufacturing, A-State students gain skills in modern production methods and material science. You’ll learn how advanced materials are designed, tested, and used in high-tech manufacturing. Advance your career in aerospace, automotive, electronics, and more.

ASU-Beebe

Computerized Machining Technology students at ASU-Beebe become skilled at working with computer numerical control (CNC) machine technologies, making tools, dies, molds and other objects using 3D printing high-tech lathes or milling equipment. The Computerized Machining Technology program is located on the Searcy campus and offers a one-year technical certificate and certificate of proficiency, as well as a two-year Associate of Applied Science in Computerized Machining Technology.

The ASU-Beebe Industrial Technology program prepares students to obtain marketable and technical skills in a variety of areas. This program provides training in a wide variety of skills that will give students a foundation that can lead to careers in the industry or maintenance of commercial and residential complexes. Examples of the areas covered include machining, pneumatics, hydraulics, electricity, drafting, quality control, hand tools, mechanical power and welding. The Industrial Technology program is located on the Searcy campus and offers a one-year technical certificate and certificate of proficiency, as well as a option for an Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Technology.

The Welding Technology program prepares students to work in a wide range of areas, such as ship building, aerospace technology, automobile manufacturing or working on the pipeline. Welding is also used to connect beams and structures in buildings, bridges and much more.

ASU-Mountain Home

Machining programs at ASU-Mountain Home prepare students for employment in a diverse array of high-paying career fields. Machinists are extremely skilled, dynamic craftsmen and women that make every industry possible through their knowledge of metallurgy, blueprint reading, metal removal processes, precision measuring and inspection, fabrication, mathematics, tolerances, machine setup and maintenance, and programming, among countless other attributes. With the proper equipment and training, a skilled machinist make any mechanical device or tool in existence

The Technical Certificate in Boat Manufacturing is for students interested in starting a career in boat manufacturing or other fiberglass composite constructions. The program integrates basic tools, gel coat application, and closed molded lamination into the manufacture of boats. The Boat Manufacturing industry is also a leading employer of welders.

Mechatronics at ASUMH is a new and rapidly growing field that integrates electronics, mechanics, pneumatics, hydraulics, and computer control systems to create new and improved automated manufacturing production systems. This program is designed for people who are interested in plant maintenance, set up, installation and assembly. Jobs are found in the manufacturing, medical, electronics, agriculture, and automotive industries.

The ASU-Mountain Home Welding Program introduces students to the skills needed for a variety of positions within the field of welding. In addition to operating welding equipment, welders assemble metal parts or products, align parts or workpieces to ensure proper assembly, lay out parts to prepare for assembly, measure dimensions, and read blueprints.

ASU-Newport

ASUN’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology program teaches the skills you need for today’s manufacturing facilities and machine shops.  The manufacturing industry uses advanced computer-aided drafting, programming, machining and computer numerically controlled machines (CNC) to design, manufacture and deliver products to the customer.  Students receive hands-on experience in, computer numerically controlled machines, computer-aided design and drafting, and machining.

ASUN welding students graduating with a Technical Certificate or higher will be prepared for entry-level positions in welding manufacturing, construction, and custom fabrication. Skill sets of graduates include operation of SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW welding processes; Oxy fuel and Plasma Arc Cutting processes; blueprint reading and fabrication skills. Students may also choose to learn automated welding processes such as CNC plasma cutting and robotic welding operation.

ASU Mid-South

ASU Mid-South offers mechatronics training for a dynamic field loaded with technological advances and great career for anyone interested in mechanical instrumentation, electronics, robotics, automation, computer system components, and control systems. As a student of mechatronics, you will use your hands and your mind to become a maintenance and trouble-shooting technician for top-earning jobs in industrial machinery.

Considered by many as a step toward a fast-paced engineering career, machining at ASU Mid-South focuses on set-up, programming, and operation of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) mills and lathes. Machinists work in all manufacturing sectors including, but not limited to energy, aerospace, defense, agriculture, automotive, transportation, medical device, prosthetic, engine manufacturer and many more.

ASU Three Rivers

Mechatronics at ASU Three Rivers integrates mechanical, electronic, and information technology into a single discipline that addresses the multi-functional needs of contemporary skilled technicians. The Mechatronics program is designed to teach a core set of technical skills that are applicable in a wide variety of settings.

ASUTR’s welding program introduces the student to basic welding techniques as well as the tools, materials, and equipment used in SMAW (STICK), GMAW (MIG), GTAW (TIG), Pipe Welding, and Metal Fabrication. Emphasis is placed on the application of knowledge and skills gained from hands‐on activities using various types of metal. This program prepares students for employment in various industries such as construction, fabrication, plant maintenance, the automotive industry, and more.