Lexicon, Mills University High partner on welding program

Steel fabricator Lexicon, Inc. and school officials in central Arkansas announced Wednesday (May 7) the creation of the Lexicon Academy of Advanced Manufacturing and Construction at Mills University Studies High School.

Students who complete the program will graduate high school with OSHA 10 and welding certifications. Their sophomore years will feature a skills trade overview course using virtual reality simulators. More advanced welding classes will follow during their junior and senior years.

“Mills High School is a destination place,” said Damian Patterson, the high school’s principal. “If you haven’t heard it, you’re hearing it now. We are a destination school – and not only for students, but we will be a destination school for teachers.”

Patterson said the program is one of several pathways at the school meant to lead to “H2” (high-demand, high-wage) jobs.

Little Rock-based Lexicon has donated an estimated $160,000 so far to the program including two conex reconditioned trailers, several welding bays, personal protective equipment, consumables and a virtual welder. Officials joined in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the trailers on Wednesday.

Lexicon builds bridges, data centers, Amazon facilities, steel mills, golf courses and automotive plants, said Patrick Schueck, the company’s CEO. The company also manages large construction projects.

“So often in life, people walk through life not knowing what their true purpose is,” Schueck said. “Some people are blessed. They wake up every morning and decide their purpose is to take care of people. They might wake up and feel like their purpose is to serve people. I’m lucky that I figured out a long time ago that my purpose was to build. Not only build structures. Not only build amazing things. But to build people, and to build the things it takes to build great companies.”

He said of the company’s 3,000 employees, roughly 1,000 have some capacity to weld.

He said graduates of the Academy will have “endless” opportunities to work for Lexicon.

“If you can weld, come on in,” he said.

Mills University Studies High School is part of the Academies of Central Arkansas, an initiative of the Little Rock Regional Chamber utilizing the Academies education model.

The Academies concept is being implemented in the four public school districts in Pulaski County with help from business leaders and the five Pulaski County Chambers of Commerce.

Mills University Studies High is part of the Pulaski County Special School District. The others are the Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Jacksonville North Pulaski School Districts.

The Academies program begins with a freshman seminar. Over the course of the program, students will engage in career exploration activities including training, mentorship and educational opportunities with industry professionals.

They will also participate in the annual Academies of Central Arkansas Career Expo event, which brings together business leaders to connect with ninth graders. Students in this program will complete a capstone project co-designed by Lexicon personnel and Mills University faculty.

An Academy partner must provide an initial investment of $150,000 of in-kind time and talent along with equipment, followed by $50,000 each year.