Faculty among nation’s early leaders in handheld laser welding

As manufacturing evolves, so does the way students are prepared for the future. Clark State College continues to position itself at the forefront of workforce innovation as Blake Parrett, master technical instructor, advances his expertise in one of manufacturing’s newest and fastest-growing technologies: handheld laser welding.

Parrett recently completed training through the Handheld Laser Institute, a nationally recognized leader in handheld laser welding education and research founded by Rex Alexandre, former senior welding engineer for SpaceX.

“Manufacturing is changing rapidly and education has to evolve alongside it,” said Parrett. “We have to think beyond today’s workforce needs and prepare students for the technologies and skills employers will require years from now. This training allows us to build those opportunities now rather than react later.”

Handheld laser welding is transforming manufacturing by increasing efficiency, reducing preparation time, improving precision and enabling the joining of materials in ways that traditional processes often cannot. The technology continues to gain momentum across industries ranging from advanced manufacturing and aerospace to automotive production and repair.

Parrett’s training includes advanced study in laser welding engineering principles, production applications, laser safety, process development and emerging standards that may shape future manufacturing practices. The training builds upon Clark State’s growing investment in laser technologies and advanced manufacturing education.

Clark State already offers students opportunities to enter the emerging field through its laser beam welding short-term technical certificate, which provides foundational and hands-on experience in laser safety, electro-optics, manufacturing fundamentals and precision welding applications.

“Faculty excellence means staying ahead of industry, not simply keeping pace with it,” said Adam Parrillo, Ph.D., Clark State's dean of business and applied technologies.  “Blake’s continued training demonstrates Clark State’s commitment to ensuring students learn from faculty who are actively shaping the future of manufacturing. As industries continue exploring new applications, education and workforce development become essential. Clark State is among only a small number of educational institutions nationwide currently partnering in this emerging space, reinforcing the college’s commitment to delivering future-focused education before technologies become mainstream."

For Parrett, the goal extends beyond personal professional development.

“I’m not simply learning how to use emerging technology,” Parrett said. “I’m learning how to teach it, how to deploy it effectively and how to prepare the next generation of technicians, engineers and manufacturers to use it successfully in real-world applications. As industries continue exploring advanced manufacturing solutions, Clark State remains focused on ensuring students and the region’s workforce are ready for what comes next."

For more information on Clark State’s laser welding program, or to enroll, visit go.clarkstate.edu/laser-beam-welding.