Aerospace Defense Manufacturing Center of Excellence at SAU Tech
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.
Why SAU Tech for Aerospace & Manufacturing Careers?
Located in the Highland Industrial Park—home to Lockheed Martin, Aerojet Rocketdyne, 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.
Programs Aligned with Aerospace & Advanced Manufacturing
SAU Tech offers hands-on training and college credit in programs that prepare you for real jobs in aerospace, automation, and technical maintenance.
Certificate & Degree Programs:
| Certificate & Degree Programs: |
|---|
| Engineering Technology |
| Automated Robotics |
| Production Technology |
| Cybersecurity Technology |
| Nondestructive Testing (NDT) |
| Mechanical Maintenance |
| General Technology |
| Electronics & Instrumentation |
Workforce Training
for
Aerospace & Defense Industries
Our
Workforce Training Department provides customized training solutions for Arkansas manufacturers and defense contractors.
- High school graduates seeking hands-on technical careers
- Adults returning to school or changing careers
- Aerospace & defense companies needing skilled workforce development
- Veterans and transitioning military members
Services Include:
- New hire & incumbent worker training
- Custom course development (credit & non-credit)
- On-site or online delivery options
- Funding support through state/federal programs like the DOL/DRA WORC Round 3 Grant
We work directly with your team to train the workforce you need—faster and more affordably.
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
- Aerojet Rocketdyne
- General Dynamics
- Armtec Defense
- Spectra Technologies
Training here means you're already where the jobs are.
Get Started Today
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.
