National Park College (NPC) broke ground Wednesday, Sept. 24, on a new 16,000-square-foot welding facility that will expand opportunities for students pursuing technical education and workforce training.
The groundbreaking was held at the future home of the welding facility on the NPC campus. The event drew college leadership, trustees, city officials, industry partners, faculty and students, and featured remarks from NPC President Dr. Wade Derden, Board of Trustees Chair Jim Hale, Hot Springs Mayor Pat McCabe, William Clark of Clark Contractors and Josh Krauss of FiberPro.
Dr. Wade Derden said the project demonstrates the college’s mission to serve both students and the regional workforce.
This 16,000-square-foot space will be more than just bricks and steel; it will be a hub of opportunity,” Derden said. “Once completed, it will elevate our welding training programs for both credit and non-credit students, and it will allow us to expand into metalwork training — another critical skill needed in our region and across Arkansas.”
The two-story facility will include 8,000 square feet of welding lab space and material storage, plus an additional 2,500 square feet of covered outdoor welding space. Plans call for three classrooms, administrative offices with a multi-use conference room and a student mezzanine overlooking the welding lab. The facility will house 30 welding booths, a plasma cutter and other modern equipment designed to support both credit and non-credit training.
NPC welding faculty member Jeffrey Estright underscored the essential role welding plays across industries.
“Welding is truly the backbone of industry. Every sector relies on welders at some point, and without them, life as we know it would look very different,” Estright said. “This new facility will allow us to train more students, support our community in new ways, and continue building on NPC’s reputation for excellence in technical education.”
Students also shared their perspectives on how welding has shaped their lives.
“Welding isn’t just a job — it’s a craft that has completely reshaped my world,” said student Houston Glisson. “It’s more than just joining pieces together; it’s about problem-solving, precision and the pride that comes from seeing results. This skill has given me opportunities I never thought possible and a true sense of purpose.”
Student Natalia Naranjo added, “Welding has opened up a world not many people get to see. I get to experience taking nothing and turning it into a product that people use daily. Thinking about the future and all that I’ll be able to do leaves me speechless.”
The groundbreaking marked a milestone in NPC’s continued investment in high-demand workforce programs that align with industry needs in Hot Springs, Garland County and across Arkansas.
For more information about NPC welding programs, visit np.edu.