Ready to spark a stronger future?

The manufacturing industry depends on skilled welders who build, repair, and strengthen the equipment and structures that keep production moving. Arkansas State University–Newport’s Welding Program opens the door to high-demand careers where precision, safety, and craftsmanship matter every day. In just a few months, you’ll gain the technical knowledge, hands-on lab experience, and industry-recognized credentials that employers across Arkansas are actively seeking.

Whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time or looking for a new direction, this training provides a competitive edge, practical experience, and a direct pathway to employment. It’s your opportunity to build a career with stability, strong wages, and long-term growth potential.

Class Dates:

March 31st – June 19th

Class Times:

Tuesdays, 12:00 noon-4:00 p.m. & Fridays, 8:00 a.m.- 12:00 noon

Students will be required to complete 4 hours per week of online content.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Students will be equipped with the foundational employability skills—such as work ethic, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—needed to obtain and succeed in entry-level employment or advance in education and training.

Students will develop the knowledge and skills required to maintain a safe manufacturing workplace, identify hazards, follow regulatory safety procedures, and promote safe equipment operation and safety culture.

Students will develop the competencies in quality systems, measurement, inspection, data analysis, and continuous improvement to ensure products meet manufacturing specifications.

Students will gain the techncial skills to be competetive for hire as an entry level production worker or entry levle MIG welder. Upon completion, students should be able to perform fillet welds on carbon steel with prescribed electrodes in the flat and horizontal positions.

PROGRAM COURSES

Job Readiness

• Workplace Essentials
• Durable skills

 Workplace Safety

• Generial Industry OSHA 10 Card
• ASUN Certificate
• Manufacturing Skills Standards Counsel Certficate
• Credly Badge

Quality Practices & Measurement 

• Credly Badge
• ASUN Precision Measurement Certificate
• Manufacturing Skills Standards Counsel Certficate

Production Welding 

• Hands-On Experience
• 48 hours: hands-on welding training
• ASUN Certificate
• Opportunity to Earn AWS Flat Weld Certification
  
• Welding Labs are Fridays 8:00 a.m. -12:00 noon

Students must be 17 at the start of the program and attend orientation.

Ready for a better career?

The food manufacturing industry runs on talented people who keep production moving safely and efficiently. Arkansas State University–Newport’s Packaging Machine Operator Program opens the door to that world. In just a short time, you'll gain the technical, mechanical, and safety skills that major employers—including Frito-Lay, Post Consumer Brands, Shearers Foods, and Nestlé—need every day to meet the growing demand for packaged foods.

Whether you're entering the workforce for the first time or looking for a fresh start, this training gives you a competitive edge, real hands-on experience, and a direct pipeline to companies ready to hire. It’s your chance to build a career with purpose, stability, and room to grow.

High-demand, high-wage opportunities:

Northeast Arkansas has hundreds of PMO jobs with average starting wages over $20/hour in their first year with experienced operators earning $30 per hour. Earning ASUN's PMO credential will give you a competetive advantage landing one of these roles.

Fast, flexible, industry-driven training:

This program is built on the Manufacturing Skills Standard Council' s Certified Production Technician 4.0 (CPT) platforrm, a nationally recognized, industry-led program built with input from local food manufacturers. It prepares you for entry-level food manufacturing jobs  using both virtual training and hands-on labs.

• Finish in 10 weeks or less
• Schedule weekly labs around your life
• Earn up to five certificates and one full industry certifications

What you’ll learn: Packaging Machine Operator training is organized into four targeted modules that build essential production skills:

Safety – OSHA standards, workplace safety, risk prevention, HAACP

Quality Practices & Measurement – inspection, documentation, process control, Good Manufacturing Practices

Manufacturing Processes & Production – systems, workflow, materials handling

Maintenance Awareness – mechanical basics, electrical troubleshooting, preventive maintenance

WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) - 

Complete all five modules and pass the assessments to earn the three MSSC Certified Production Technician badges, General Industry OSHA-10, and the National Careeer Readiness Certficate—all portable, respected certifications recognized by employers across the manufacturing sector.

Attend class when it meets your schedule!  Weekly labs are scheduled by you to meet the demands of your life

Ready for a career with growth opportunities?

Whether you’re entering the workforce, feeling stuck in your current job, or looking for a higher-paying path, the CNC Operater program can give you the skill to pay the bills.    

High-demand,opportunities:

Northeast Arkansas has hundreds of CNC operator jobs with average wages over $48,000 per year with many earning much more with premium pay.  Earning the CNC Lather Operator credential gives you a strong advantage in landing these role as well as other machine operator roles. Area employers who recruit for these positions are Hytrol, ABB, Best Manufacturing and Martin Sprocket & Gear to name a few. 

Fast, flexible, industry-driven training:

This program was built with input from local manufacturers. It prepares you for an entry level operator position within a modern advanced manufacturing facility using both virtual training and hands-on CNC labs.

• Finish in 10 weeks or less
• Gain hands on CNC Operator training 
• Gain a high demand skill

What you’ll learn: CNC Operator training is organized into four targeted modules that build essential production skills:

Safety (25 hours online, 8 hours lab)

• Generial Industry OSHA 10 Card
• ASUN Certificate
• Credly Badge

Quality Practices (20 hours online, 6 hours lab)

• Credly Badge
• ASUN Certificate Production

CNC Lathe Operation (45 hours lab)

• Operate CNC controlled turning centers,
• Explore CNC lathe setup, and
• Introduction to Haas Lathe intuitive programming system. 

CNC Lab will run April 13th through May 14th, Mondays, Tuesday and Thursday 9:00-noon. 

WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certficate (7 hours)-measures and certifies the foundational work skills needed for success in jobs across industries and occupations

Additionally, students may receive up to 6 college credits through the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process if they choose to continue into a technology Certificate of Proficiency (CP), Technical Certificate (TC), or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.

Ready for a Better Career in Manufacturing?

The Production Associate Program is your best first step into high-demand manufacturing careers. Designed for individuals new to manufacturing, this program builds the essential skills employers look for in entry-level roles such as assembler, manufacturing associate, and machine operator. It’s ideal for high school students, dislocated workers, and career changers ready to move into a stable, well-paying industry.

You’ll gain hands-on training in core manufacturing fundamentals, including:

• Safety (OSHA standards and risk prevention)
• Effective Communication
• Quality Practices & Precision Measurement
• Process Awareness and Documentation

This credential is built on the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Certified Production Technician (CPT) framework, giving you a strong foundation and a competitive edge.

The Production Associate is just the beginning. Your training can be stacked into advanced, higher-paying certifications such as:

• Certified Production Technician (CPT)
• Packaging Machine Operator
• CNC Lathe Operator
• Production Welder

All MSSC credentials are nationally recognized and ISO/IEC 17024 accredited, trusted by manufacturers nationwide.

Finish in 6 weeks or less

• Hybrid, approximately 40 hours of online content plus 20 hours of in-person labs/instruction.
• Schedule labs around your life
• Earn up to five certificates and one full industry credential
• Combination of online learning and hands-on labs
• Designed with input from local manufacturers

Northeast Arkansas has 5,000+ open production jobs, with average wages exceeding $45,000 per year—and even more with premium pay. Completing the Production Associate credential gives you a strong advantage in landing these roles.

ASUN helps you every step of the way with job search assistance, résumé support, and interview preparation. Employers are actively looking for graduates with these skills.

Whether you’re entering the workforce, feeling stuck, or ready for a higher-paying path, the Production Associate Program can open the door to a future in advanced manufacturing.

Ready for a better career?

Whether you’re entering the workforce or looking for a higher-paying path, the Certified Production Technician (CPT) 4.0 credential can set you apart.   The CPT 4.0 credential is issued through Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) and the accredited  under ISO/IEC Standard 17024 for Personnel Certification.

High-demand, high-wage opportunities:

Northeast Arkansas has 5,000+ production jobs with average wages over $45,000 per year with many semi-skilled jobs earning over $60,000. Earning the MSSC CPT 4.0 credential gives you a strong advantage in landing these roles.

Fast, flexible, industry-driven training:

CPT 4.0 is a nationally recognized, industry-led program built with input from local manufacturers. It prepares you—from entry-level to front-line supervisor—for modern advanced manufacturing using both virtual training and hands-on labs.

• Finish in 12 weeks or less
• Hybrid, approximately 80 hours of online content plus 40 hours of labs and instruction
• Schedule weekly labs around your life
• Earn up to six certificates and one full industry certifications

What you’ll learn: CPT 4.0 training is organized into four targeted modules that build essential production skills:

Safety – OSHA standards, workplace safety, risk prevention

Quality Practices & Measurement – inspection, documentation, process control

Manufacturing Processes & Production – systems, workflow, materials handling

Maintenance Awareness – mechanical basics, electrical troubleshooting, preventive maintenance

Complete all four modules and pass the assessments to earn the full MSSC Certified Production Technician credential—a portable, respected certification recognized by employers across the manufacturing sector.

Attend class when it meets your schedule!  Weekly labs are scheduled by you to meet the demands of your life

Job Placement Services

ASUN will assist you with your job search and interview preparation. We have employers who want to see your skills!

Ready for a better career?

Whether you’re entering the workforce or looking for a higher-paying path, the Certified Production Technician (CPT) 4.0 credential can set you apart.   The CPT 4.0 credential is issued through Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) and the accredited  under ISO/IEC Standard 17024 for Personnel Certification.

High-demand, high-wage opportunities:

Northeast Arkansas has 5,000+ production jobs with average wages over $45,000 per year with many semi-skilled jobs earning over $60,000. Earning the MSSC CPT 4.0 credential gives you a strong advantage in landing these roles.

Fast, flexible, industry-driven training:

CPT 4.0 is a nationally recognized, industry-led program built with input from local manufacturers. It prepares you—from entry-level to front-line supervisor—for modern advanced manufacturing using both virtual training and hands-on labs.

• Finish in 12 weeks or less
• Hybrid, approximately 80 hours of online content plus 40 hours of labs and instruction
• Schedule weekly labs around your life
• Earn up to six certificates and one full industry certifications

What you’ll learn: CPT 4.0 training is organized into four targeted modules that build essential production skills:

Safety – OSHA standards, workplace safety, risk prevention

Quality Practices & Measurement – inspection, documentation, process control

Manufacturing Processes & Production – systems, workflow, materials handling

Maintenance Awareness – mechanical basics, electrical troubleshooting, preventive maintenance

Complete all four modules and pass the assessments to earn the full MSSC Certified Production Technician credential—a portable, respected certification recognized by employers across the manufacturing sector.

Attend class when it meets your schedule!  Weekly labs are scheduled by you to meet the demands of your life

Job Placement Services

ASUN will assist you with your job search and interview preparation. We have employers who want to see your skills!