Manufacturing & Defense Readiness

SAU Tech’s designation as Arkansas’s Center of Excellence for Aerospace Defense Manufacturing is rooted in its origin. Since its founding in 1968, the College has served the Highland Industrial Park—formerly the Shumaker Naval Ammunition Depot—as a training hub for advanced manufacturing and aerospace defense careers. The Manufacturing and Defense Readiness program allows students to gain the basic knowledge necessary to begin an exciting career in the aerospace and defense industry, enroll in an Associate of Applied Science degree program, and much more.


Degree type: Certificate of Proficiency

Transferability: Multiple program options at SAU Tech

Format: In-person

Financial Aid: Grants, Scholarships, & Loans→

What you'll Learn in Manufacturing & Defense Readiness

  • Troubleshoot electrical circuits using a multimeter
  • High-pressure, low-volume paint spraying
  • Use micrometers, calipers, and gauges to make precision measurements
  • Torque wrench use and procedures
  • Blueprint reading
  • Perform inspections using nondestructive testing materials
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Why SAU Tech for Manufacturing & Defense Careers?

Located in the Highland Industrial Park—home to Lockheed Martin, L3 Harris, General Dynamics, Spectra Technologies, and more—SAU Tech was built to train the region’s workforce.

Since 1968, we’ve offered career and technical education focused on defense manufacturing, automation, engineering, and skilled trades. Whether you're a high school graduate, adult learner, or employer, SAU Tech is your launch pad into a high-demand field.

About the Highland Industrial Park

SAU Tech’s campus is located inside one of the largest defense industry hubs in the region:

  • Former Shumaker Naval Ammunition Depot
  • Now home to global defense employers like:
  • Lockheed Martin
  • L3 Harris
  • General Dynamics
  • Armtec Defense
  • Spectra Technologies


Training here means you're already where the jobs are.

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Whether you're looking to launch your career or upskill your workforce, SAU Tech has the programs, instructors, and industry partnerships to make it happen.

Program Overview Manufacturing & Defense Readiness

Students in the Manufacturing and Defense Readiness Program gain the essential training required to enter the aerospace and defense workforce, with the opportunity to further advance their education to a variety of Associate of Applied Science degrees options.

Manufacturing & Defense Readiness Program Overview:



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Take the Next Step Toward a Career in Manufacturing & Defense Readiness


Need help understanding certification options or scholarship applications? Our Program advisors are here to support your goals every step of the way.

Get In Touch

Manufacturing & Defense Readiness

  • Faculty: Sabrina Foster, sfoster@sautech.edu
  • Advisor: MaShira Singleton, msingleton@sautech.edu, 870-574-4492
  • Associate Vice Chancellor for Instruction: Jodi Eppinette, jeppinet@sautech.edu, 870-574-4584