Welding Technology & Fabrication
Meet the Instructor
Henry Laxton, Welding Instructor
henry.laxton@jonesboroschools.net
(870) 933.5891 ext. 28234
Office Hours: 2:25pm - 3:05pm
Mr. Henry Laxton – Welding & Fabrication Instructor, NEACTC
Mr. Henry Laxton brings over 25 years of industry experience and 15 years of teaching expertise to the Welding & Fabrication program at NEACTC. A retired United States Army Soldier, Mr. Laxton combines discipline, dedication, and a deep passion for education to help students forge successful futures in the skilled trades.
He holds a Master’s Degree and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education, further demonstrating his commitment to lifelong learning and professional excellence.
For Mr. Laxton, the most rewarding part of his career is seeing students grow into confident, capable individuals—especially when they begin teaching others what they've learned in his classroom. His instruction is rooted in high standards, and he fosters a learning environment built on respect, honesty, and personal accountability. He believes in pushing students to meet their potential, with no room for excuses—only growth.
While he's known for his structured and effective teaching style, Mr. Laxton also brings energy, enthusiasm, and a great sense of humor to the classroom. His students know him not only as a skilled educator but also as someone who genuinely enjoys making learning fun and engaging.
About Welding
Gear up for an exhilarating expedition into the realm of Welding Technology at NEA Career & Tech Center! This program of study has been specifically developed to meet the growing industrial demands of the NEA marketplace, offering you an incredible opportunity to dive into a field with abundant career prospects.
Over the course of two years, you'll gain comprehensive knowledge and skills in welding techniques and the properties of different materials. You'll explore the art of joining materials through cutting-edge methods like Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW). These techniques are the very same ones used by local NEA manufacturers, paving the way for exciting career positions within the thriving NEA industries.
As part of the Welding Technology program, you'll have access to state-of-the-art fabrication machinery, including a 5 X 10 plasma table. Imagine working with cutting-edge tools and learning how to design materials using CAD software specifically for plasma cutting. This hands-on experience will give you a competitive edge in the industry.
Alongside advanced technologies, you'll also master the use of traditional tools and machinery used in metal fabrication and material preparation prior to welding. This well-rounded skill set will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the entire welding process.
So, if you're passionate about working with your hands, enjoy the thrill of creating and building, and want to be part of the booming industrial scene in NEA, the Welding Technology program at NEACTC is the perfect fit for you. Join us and unlock a world of opportunities in the fascinating field of welding. Your future starts here!
What You'll Learn
Welding and Fabrication's 2024 Spring Curriculum Map
Concurrent Credit
Articulated College Credit
- Offered at no cost through Black River Technical College (BRTC).
- Concurrent Credit: Earn credit alongside your classroom work—no extra assignments required!
Year One Students
- Sign up for up to 9 hours of concurrent credit.
- Eligible Courses:
- Welding Theory: 3 hours
- Blueprint Reading: 3 hours
- MIG Welding: 3 hours
- Eligible Courses:
Year Two Students
- Total College Credit Available: Up to 3 hours
- Eligible Courses:
- ARC Welding: 3 hours
- Certificate of Proficiency: Students who complete all eligible credit hours will receive a Certificate of Proficiency Degree in Welding.
- Eligible Courses:
Certifications
Our welding program is certified as a site for AWS welding certifications where students will earn AWS welding certificates.