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SLCC to offer Workforce Training for Acadiana

Aug 22, 2016 / News

Training a strong workforce across Acadiana has always been a priority for South Louisiana Community College. The college's newest academic program at its New Iberia Campus continues this mission and aims to provide students with the knowledge & technical skills necessary for a successful career in the oil and gas industry.

The college expects to begin offering a technical diploma in Oil and Gas Production Technology in the spring 2017. All classes will be at SLCC’s New Iberia Campus, which is located along the stretch of U.S. Highway 90 known as the energy corridor.

The 45-hour credit program has been in the planning and development process for several years and recently received approval from the college's accrediting agency – the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commissions on Colleges – and the Louisiana Community and Technical College System's Board of Supervisors.

“We recognize the downturn of the current industry, but know that production jobs will be needed when Oil and Gas bounces back,” said Dr. Willie Smith, SLCC vice chancellor for Economic and Workforce Development and interim vice chancellor for Academic Affairs. “This program will enhance the college’s track record in educating a well-trained workforce for this regional industry.”

The program’s curriculum was designed by SLCC faculty in cooperation with the regional oil and gas industry with the goal of helping students enter the workforce quickly to meet the growing demand for more trained professionals in this field.

“Traditionally the energy sector has provided well-paid positions that more provide on-the-job-training rather than formal education. This has impacted the ability of many individuals who have been laid off to find new employment,” said Gregg Gothreaux, president and CEO of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority. “The establishment of this technical program at SLCC will enhance the skillset of the local workforce. Many of the basic skills and information taught in the program may allow the student to more easily transition to jobs in other industries while employment is down in the energy sector.”

Students will complete an intense core curriculum in areas that include oil and gas regulations, safety, pneumatic/hydraulic systems, electricity, instrumentation, oil and gas exploration drilling and production operations, wellhead completions, and plug and abandonment.

Graduates will be able to demonstrate an understanding of offshore safety and compliance standards and regulations as they apply to drilling and production. They will also be able to describe the components and processes involved in the drilling and production of oil and gas.

Students completing the Oil & Gas Production program will earn 3 industry certifications in the following areas: Safe Land/Safe Gulf, Production Operations, and Production Safety Systems (T2).

In addition, students will learn to operate electrical equipment, hydraulics, pneumatics and fluid dynamic equipment, pumps and compressors, oil and gas instrumentation equipment, and processing equipment.

Anyone interested in applying for this program can contact the New Iberia Campus by calling (337) 373-0185 or by emailing newiberia@solacc.edu.

Christine Payton | Communications and Marketing Director, South Louisiana Community College