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UA-PTC Welding Technology Program celebrates American Welding Society grant

UA - Pulaski Tech received a significant boost for its Welding Technology program with a grant of $44,124.56 from the American Welding Society (AWS) Foundation. The official presentation took place Oct. 16 at the Innovation & Technology Center, where representatives from UA-PTC, AWS, and industry partner Lexicon celebrated the award.

The one-year grant, effective July 1, 2025, will be a crucial investment in modernizing facilities and expanding the college's capacity to train the next generation of skilled welders.

"We are incredibly grateful for the American Welding Society Foundation's investment in our welding program," said Dr. Summer L. DeProw, UA-PTC Chancellor. "This grant will significantly increase our training capacity, especially for high school students, and ensure our graduates are better prepared to meet local industries' evolving needs."

A major use of the funding will be the purchase of four new Miller Multimatic 220 AC/DC multiprocess welders. These machines will allow students to master multiple welding techniques, including MIG, flux-cored, stick, and AC/DC TIG, helping them achieve valuable AWS certifications. Additionally, the grant will facilitate a crucial expansion of the high school welding lab, adding four new welding stations to serve up to 20 students at a time.

"This grant will help us modernize our labs and provide equipment that will directly assist students in mastering various welding methods and achieving critical American Welding Society certifications," stated Dr. Angela Kremers, UA-PTC dean of technical and professional studies.

The expansion comes as the demand for skilled welders is at an all-time high. Locally, there are 185 welding job openings in Central Arkansas, with an average annual salary of $53,400 for experienced welders. The UA-PTC welding program—which currently serves 50 students, many of whom are non-traditional or first-generation college students—anticipates enrolling close to 109 students annually following this expansion, directly addressing the local industry's need.

The AWS Foundation grant builds upon UA-PTC’s existing strong commitment to its welding program, including a $639,000 institutional investment over the past two years. This partnership, bolstered by strong ties with industry leaders like Lexicon, Welsco/NexAir, and Dassault Falcon Jet, will empower more individuals and strengthen Arkansas's economy.

For more information on the UA-PTC Welding Technology program, visit uaptc.edu/welding.