Four Arkansas High School juniors enrolled in the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana Secondary Career & Technical Education Center welding program have signed on to begin summer internships with Ledwell in Texarkana, gaining valuable hands-on industry experience while continuing their education and workforce training.

The students have successfully completed two semesters of welding instruction through the UAHT Secondary Career Center, where they trained in arc, TIG, and MIG welding. Their coursework combines classroom instruction with practical lab experience designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in the skilled trades.

The students pursued an internship with Ledwell to further develop their technical skills and gain real-world manufacturing experience alongside experienced professionals.

Ledwell, a Texarkana-based manufacturing company founded in 1946, is known for producing custom truck bodies, trailers, and transportation equipment. The company has built strong partnerships with area schools and workforce training programs to help students explore careers in manufacturing and skilled trades while developing the next generation of industry professionals.

“These students have demonstrated dedication, strong work ethic, and a commitment to learning advanced welding skills,” said Bob McFarland, UAHT welding instructor. “This internship opportunity allows them to take what they’ve learned in the classroom and apply it in a real manufacturing environment, which is an incredible advantage as they prepare for future careers.”

The UAHT Secondary Career & Technical Education Center, located on both the University of Arkansas Hope and Texarkana campuses, provides participating high school juniors and seniors with the opportunity to earn college credit at no cost while still in high school. The program extends local high school curriculum offerings by providing hands-on training in a variety of career and technical fields taught by UAHT faculty.

Through partnerships with industry leaders like Ledwell, UAHT continues to create pathways that connect education with workforce opportunities, helping students gain the skills and experience needed for successful careers after graduation.

For more information or to register for classes at the UAHT Secondary Career & Technical Education Center, visit https://www.uaht.edu/academics/career-center.php.

Pictured left to right: Dakota Basham and Wyatt Walden

Pictured left to right: Tyler Wheeler and Wyatt Steelman