Meet The Pro: Connor Teague, Machine Operator 1
By Arkansas Next on Friday, October 10, 2025
Hometown: Bauxite
Age: 22
Training: Technical Certificate in Machining from the University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College
Job Title: Machine Operator 1
Employer: Arcturus Aerospace
Connor Teague was first introduced to machining through the YouTube channel “Inheritance Machining.” He decided to take some classes at the University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College (UAPTC) to see if his interest in the field would turn into something more.
“After the first few weeks of classes, I really enjoyed what I was learning and knew that this was the career that I wanted to pursue,” Connor said.
Attention to detail is a vital skill to master in this career field, and fortunately for Connor, he developed it early while working in his family’s shop in high school. This job also taught him many other important skills that seamlessly transferred into his career.
“There are many things that I enjoy about this industry,” Connor said. “A few of my favorite aspects would have to be the technical nature of the field, the job security and the sense of accomplishment that comes with successfully matching a good production run.”
Training for machining came easily to Connor because it involves hands-on learning and is straightforward. During his time at UAPTC, he learned how to operate manual mills and lathes. During his internship, he learned to run CNC machines.
“The thing that has stuck with me the most is that no detail is too small and every measurement is important,” Connor said.
Connor appreciates the job security and financial stability it offers. The upward trajectory in his role means that the longer he stays and hones his skills, the more job opportunities become available to him at Arcturus Aerospace.
“Working in a manufacturing field makes me feel useful in a way that other fields have not in the past,” Connor said. “Every part that I make is a testament to the skills and knowledge that I have obtained in my short time in the field and I can’t wait to learn more.”
More About the Job
Education Needed:
High school diploma or GED
You'll Be Great At This Job Too If...
-
Enjoy taking things apart and putting them back together
- Meticulous with reading the rules or requirements on schoolwork
- Learned how to drive a stick shift/manual drive
- Excel in your math classes
Related Jobs:
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
High school diploma or GED | $59,050
Milling and Planing Machine Setters
High school diploma or GED | $72,000
Tool and Die Makers
Postsecondary certificate | $67,210
Do You Have What it Takes?
Check off the experience you already have...
► Adaptable (flexible with changes in life or work)
► Perfectionist (very detail-oriented)
► Hand-eye Coordination (a skill developed through labor jobs or playing sports)
► Problem-solver (a machinist's job is to repair, similar to how you mend a difficult situation)
High-end earners (top 10%) make
$71,670
Median wages in Arkansas (top 50%)
$48,820
WHERE TO LEARN
- Arkansas Army National Guard
- Arkansas State University Mid-South
- Bachoco USA
- Business and Industry Training
- Union Pacific Railroad
- University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton
- University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College
- W&W|AFCO Steel
WHERE TO WORK
- ABB
- Arkansas Army National Guard
- Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation
- AT&T
- Bachoco USA
- Hytrol Conveyor Company, Inc.
- McKee Foods
- Union Pacific Railroad
- W&W|AFCO Steel
Sources: careeronestop.org
