Alvin J. Benoit
May 11, 2009
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The Lafourche campus of Louisiana Technical College in Thibodaux will start a new program during the fall semester in Process Production Technology-Gulf of Mexico funded by a $362,500 donation from Chevron.
Several technical college and Chevron officials were at the Thibodaux campus last week to make the announcement.
The program, which will lead to an associate’s degree, will train students to work on oilrig platforms offshore and handle oil running through pipelines, said Greg Garret, Louisiana Technical College Region 3 director.
Students will have periodic training on oil platforms as part of the program.
The first instructor will be hired within the next three weeks, said Cindy Poskey, dean of the Lafourche campus. Students with other obligations will be provided recorded lectures for viewing.
“Chevron has presented us with an opportunity to meet our training needs,” Poskey said. “This region, this campus are ready to do this.”
An increasing number of jobs are requiring more than a high school diploma, but not four-year degrees, said Dr. Joe May, president of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System.
Pete Melancon, shore base supervisor with Chevron, said the company has a need to develop personnel to work offshore.
“We believe (the new program) has high value,” he said. “It promotes education and is important for people in this area.”
LCTCS board chairman Stevie Smith pointed out the role the oil and gas industry plays in the region.
“We don’t have GM plants and fertilizer plants, we have oil and gas,” he said. “We have a whole range of independents and majors.”
Both Smith and Garret emphasized the importance of education and business fulfilling mutual needs. Garret listed previous partnerships between the Lafourche campus and area businesses.
“Chevron and Lafourche Louisiana Technical College will succeed together,” he said.
Greg Garret, Louisiana Technical College regional director, unveils a Process Production Technology-Gulf of Mexico program at the Lafourche campus Friday. The program is funded by a Chevron donation.
