Thinking about pursuing a manufacturing or mechanic career in Arkansas? Cars, trucks, and other vehicles often come to mind first when you first think of such jobs. But there are more options than just autos out there! If you have a natural mechanical skill, you may want to consider other jobs in the manufacturing industry. If you have an interest in pursuing a career path in the welding, repair, or machining fields, we can help you find the hands-on training to get started.

So what kind of work do welders and machinists do, exactly? They read blueprints and specifications, prepare machinery and equipment, and complete projects. They also monitor machines, inspect finished materials, and ensure that the work is completed according to the necessary requirements. Some of these jobs, particularly welding, require a great deal of physical stamina. Welders and machinists wear a lot of protective equipment and use special tools designed to complete their jobs efficiently and safely.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that nationally, welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers earned an average annual salary of $41,000 in May 2017. Machinists and tool and die makers, meanwhile, earned an average of about $44,000 in the same timeframe. The job outlook for 2016 to 2026 is mostly flat for machinist jobs, with welders and similar jobs expected to grow about 6% over the decade. If you’re looking for a job that involves working with your hands, Arkansas had 95 jobs in the production occupations sector (including positions in welding and machining) for every 1,000 jobs in the state, according to May 2017 data from the BLS.

Plus, Caterpillar Inc (which is based in North Little Rock) announced a major expansion this summer. According to Arkansas Business,  https://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/122687/in-north-little-rock-caterpillar-will-add-more-products-hire-250-people the project could add as many as 250 jobs for welders, machinists, mechanics, and others over the next two years.

Ready to pursue a career training program to become welder or machinist in Arkansas? The Imagine America Foundation has a robust network of schools that can support you on your education journey. Career training programs for welders, solderers, and machinists (or other similar tracks) can be completed in as little as a year and typically include hands-on training specifically designed to prepare you for the certifications and skills you need to work in the industry.

Plus, IAF has scholarship and award programs to help lower the cost of tuition when you enroll at our member institutions. These award-winning scholarships and awards are designed to support recent high school graduates, adult learners, and current or honorably discharged military personnel. They help thousands of students attend one of our more than 400 partner campuses each year. We’ve given more than 300 such awards to welding students in the state of Arkansas alone. They provide a $1,000 discount on your tuition. Join Imagine America today and be matched with welding schools that offer our scholarship and award programs!

We are committed to helping you find the right program, prepare for successful semesters, and apply for our scholarship and award programs. Check out our website  https://www.imagine-america.org/ and follow our blog today!