The University of Texas at Arlington and Lockheed Martin have renewed a partnership agreement that will generate valuable hands-on learning experience to further students' academic and career goals.
Launched in 2021, the UTA College Work Experience Program (CWEP) initially ensured that $5.2 million was made available for eligible students to gain real-world employment skills by holding paid positions at
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control in Grand Prairie, Texas. The renewed contract also will provide long-term funding for eligible students.
The program is just the second of its kind nationwide between Lockheed Martin and a university.
Dylan Bryce, a UT Arlington graduate in software engineering, said CWEP allowed him to gain valuable experience in his career field while earning his degree.
"CWEP is a fast track to an amazing career at one of the best companies to work for in the world," Bryce said. "The leadership at Lockheed Martin is great at working with CWEP students and was very flexible with my work schedule during the school semesters."
Joshua Jacob, another UT Arlington graduate and CWEP intern, said the program led to a permanent position with Lockheed Martin.
"Through this unique opportunity, I was able to excel in both my work and my education. I saw a lot of parallels with the job duties I was given and what I was learning in school," Jacob said. "CWEP was amazing to be a part of. Relationships with my fellow co-workers created even more opportunities for growth and learning that propelled me into success as a full-time employee at Lockheed Martin."
Career Development Center Director Lolin Martins-Crane said the alliance between UTA and Lockheed Martin has established a thriving talent pipeline.
"The program not only symbolizes our commitment to innovation and ingenuity, but also exemplifies our unwavering dedication to bolstering the economies of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington region," Martins-Crane said. "Central to this endeavor is our steadfast belief that one of the most valuable forms of experiential learning we can provide our students to ensure their post-graduation success is to immerse them in real-world, hands-on work opportunities on site, all under the direct supervision of experts."
She said students are actively engaged in tangible programs and projects that significantly impact the Lockheed Martin organization as a whole. They receive comprehensive training, invaluable guidance, constructive feedback and mentorship throughout their journeys.
Bryce echoed this sentiment.
"I had the opportunity to work on more meaningful tasks during my time in CWEP than I would've had at a normal internship," Bryce said.
Monet Nathaniel, vice president of human resources at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said the company benefits from the strong relationship with UT Arlington.
"Many of the students eventually become our employees," Nathaniel said. "We are helping equip the next generation of talent in our industry. We're proud that these students are contributing to Lockheed Martin's overall mission."
Although CWEP jobs will primarily target engineering and business majors, students from all disciplines and academic classifications, including graduate students, may apply, provided they meet the criteria. Work experiences will encompass a minimum of two semesters but may span a student's entire UTA tenure.
CWEP is one of numerous UTA initiatives designed to increase meaningful engagement between the University and the corporate community. It also aligns with UTA's Maverick Advantage program, which prepares students for careers through experiential learning opportunities. Lockheed Martin is the No. 1 employer of UTA graduates, with more than 2,100 working at facilities worldwide, including large concentrations at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Fort Worth.
