Workforce Training
Training Today's Workforce for Tomorrow’s Needs
Southern Arkansas University Tech's Workforce Training Department delivers specialized credit and non-credit training programs tailored to meet the needs of businesses, industries, and individuals throughout our service area.
Whether you need skilled technicians, leadership development, or health and safety certifications, SAU Tech provides flexible, affordable training solutions — backed by real industry experience.
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About WorkForce Training
Workforce Training at Southern Arkansas University Tech is dedicated to equipping individuals and businesses with the skills they need to succeed in today’s evolving workforce. We offer both credit and non credit specialized training programs tailored to meet the specific needs of local industries and employers.
Through strong partnerships with regional businesses and industries, SAU Tech’s Workforce Training Department ensures our programs are relevant, up to date, and impactful. These partnerships are guided by our Workforce Training Board, which is composed of leaders from a wide range of industries who help shape our offerings and ensure we’re meeting real world demands.
Whether you're an individual looking to upskill or a business seeking customized training solutions, SAU Tech’s Workforce Training is your partner in workforce development and success.
MISSION
The SAU Tech Workforce Training Department provides customizable career-focused training solutions designed to enhance the skills and expertise of incumbent workers, job seekers, and other learners, equipping them to be workforce-ready in today's competitive job market.
VISION
To deliver high-quality, relevant, and industry-designed training to stimulate growth, enhance sustainable employment, boost economic independence, and foster competitive wages that promote more significant upward mobility as individuals obtain practical industry knowledge, competencies, and industry-recognized credentials.
For Employers
Want to connect your job opportunity with SAU Tech students?
Submit a Job Listing using our employer form. All listings are reviewed before being posted. We welcome part time, full time, remote, and internship opportunities.
Questions or Need Help About Submitting A Job Opportunity?
Contact:
Director of Marketing 870-574-4747
Director of Enrollment Services – 888-732-2060
SAU Tech Secures $20 Million in Federal Funds to Construct a Defense Manufacturing Center of Excellence
Southern Arkansas University Tech (SAU Tech) is launching a new Defense Manufacturing Center of Excellence thanks to $20 million in federal funding secured by U.S. Senator John Boozman. The investment includes $15 million for construction and $5 million for advanced training equipment, positioning SAU Tech as a regional leader in defense and advanced manufacturing workforce development. SAU System President Dr. Bruno Hicks and SAU Tech Chancellor Dr. Jerry Thomas highlighted the project during a February 6, 2026, press conference held on the SAU Tech campus. The new center will support hands-on training in precision machining, robotics, automation, and defense technologies, expanding industry partnerships and increasing job placement opportunities for students across South Arkansas.
Powering South Arkansas with Workforce Innovation
SAU Tech has received a $5 million HIRED Grant from the Arkansas Department of Commerce. This funding positions SAU Tech to become a premier training hub for South Arkansas. As the first step in the SAU Tech Workforce Vision, the grant will support investments in equipment, labs, software, personnel, and training to strengthen workforce development across the region.
Building Stronger Industry Connections Through
Customized Training
SAU Tech and Lockheed Martin proudly celebrated the first graduating class of CNC machinists from the Camden Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program. Through its Workforce Training Department, SAU Tech offers both credit and noncredit specialized training courses tailored to the needs of local businesses and industries. The department delivers these programs using qualified, experienced trainers with real-world business and industrial expertise.
STEM Workforce Development
As part of our Workforce Training initiatives, SAU Tech also supports early STEM exposure through the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) STEM Achievers program. By introducing middle school students to hands-on experiences in robotics, 3D design, app development, and emerging technologies, we are helping build a strong future talent pipeline for our region. This program connects classroom learning to real-world career pathways, encouraging students to develop the technical skills, creativity, and confidence needed to succeed in tomorrow’s workforce.
Students who have participated in the program report greater:
- Confidence in their STEM abilities
- Willingness to explore STEM courses
- Excitement and engagement compared to traditional learning
- Understanding of how technology shapes the world
This program helps students imagine themselves as makers, innovators, and future STEM professionals.
Why Choose SAU Tech for workforce training?
- We employ and retain qualified, competent faculty and staff who position learners for long-term success through engagement, empowerment, mentorship, rapport, and industry-related learning experiences, causing personal and community transformation.
- We link workforce education to employer-driven pathways that lead to high-demand, high-growth, high-skill, and high-wage careers in Arkansas and beyond.
- We deliver customized, industry-specific, and high-quality training that enables learners to enhance their workforce capital and potential, leading to vocational calling, upward career mobility, personal fulfillment, and lifelong learning.
- We offer career-focused pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship pathways that can be delivered on campus, at an on-site facility, online, or a hybrid of alternate delivery methods as requested by our industry partner
