Explore a smarter path to a successful career with technical education programs!
From a skills mismatch to a strong demand for trained professionals, the state’s economy is calling for a skilled workforce.
These hands-on, career-focused programs provide an excellent alternative to a traditional four-year degree, offering fast-track training, industry-recognized credentials, and a direct pipeline to high-wage, high-demand jobs.
Whether you’re a student looking to start a rewarding career, a parent guiding your child, or an employer searching for top talent, this page is your resource for understanding the value of technical education and discovering the diverse opportunities available.
What types of industry do we have in Southeast Louisiana?
The industrial landscape around New Orleans is dominated by continuous process industries and heavy manufacturing, which rely completely on advanced automation.
Petrochemical and Chemical Manufacturing
This region is one of the densest petrochemical and chemical processing hubs globally, requiring highly complex control and safety systems.
- Automation Focus: Distributed Control Systems (DCS) for large-scale process management, redundant Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), and thousands of field instruments (transmitters, valves, sensors).
- Examples of Facility Types:
- Refineries (Crude oil processing)
- Ethylene and Polymer Plants (Plastics manufacturing)
- Fertilizer Production (Ammonia, Urea)
- Specialty Chemical Manufacturing
Oil and Gas (Midstream and Downstream)
While offshore operations handle production, onshore facilities manage storage, transmission, and initial processing.
- Automation Focus: SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems for monitoring pipelines and storage terminals, Compressor Station Control Systems, and Gas Processing Facilities using PLCs for unit control.
- Examples of Facility Types:
- Oil and Gas Terminals (Import/Export)
- Natural Gas Processing Plants
- Pipeline Pumping and Compressor Stations
Utilities and Power Generation
Maintaining the electrical grid and providing power to the demanding industrial sector requires advanced controls.
- Automation Focus: Turbine and Boiler Control Systems, sophisticated SCADA systems for power distribution and substations, and control systems for Power Plants (natural gas, coal, or nuclear facilities outside the immediate 50-mile radius but critical to the regional grid).
- Examples of Facility Types:
- Gas Turbine Power Stations
- Independent Power Producers (IPPs)
- Electrical Substations (managed remotely via SCADA)
Marine and Heavy Fabrication
The Port of New Orleans and shipbuilding activities drive the need for heavy fabrication and specialized manufacturing.
- Automation Focus: Large-scale Robotic Welding Systems, CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining, automated handling systems for heavy steel plate, and complex VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) systems for cranes and ship loaders.
- Examples of Facility Types:
- Shipyards and Dry Docks
- Industrial Equipment and Fabrication Shops
Food and Beverage Processing
Due to the proximity of agricultural resources and major transportation hubs, food processing is a significant user of high-speed automation.
- Automation Focus: High-speed Packaging Lines using PLCs and motion control, CIP (Clean-In-Place) automated washdown systems, and Material Handling Systems using conveyors and automated guided vehicles (AGVs).
- Examples of Facility Types:
- Brewing and Distilling Operations
- Sugar Processing and Refining
- Large-scale Food Packaging Plants
What technical education programs are available in Southeast Louisiana?
Advanced Manufacturing
An associate’s degree in advanced manufacturing is a two-year, hands-on program that trains students to work in modern, high-tech factory environments. The curriculum focuses on a blend of skills essential for Industry 4.0, including robotics, automation, and computer-aided design (CAD). Students learn to operate and program machinery like CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines and PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers). The degree prepares graduates for in-demand careers as technicians, quality control inspectors, and industrial maintenance specialists, all of whom are critical to the efficiency and innovation of modern manufacturing.
Learn more about careers in Advanced Manufacturing
Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology
An associate’s degree in electrical engineering technology is a two-year, hands-on program that prepares students for careers as engineering technicians. The curriculum balances foundational theory with extensive lab work, focusing on the practical application of electrical and electronic principles. Students learn to install, troubleshoot, and repair equipment related to industrial automation, robotics, and power systems.
The degree’s curriculum covers topics like programmable logic controllers (PLCs), digital and analog circuits, and industrial wiring, providing a direct pathway to in-demand jobs in manufacturing, energy, and telecommunications. Graduates are crucial to bridging the gap between engineers and the skilled trades, assisting in design, testing, and production.
Learn more about careers in Electrical Engineering Technology
Process Technology
An associate’s degree in process technology (PTEC) is a two-year, hands-on program designed to train students to become process technicians. These professionals are responsible for monitoring and controlling the systems that run industrial plants, such as refineries, chemical plants, and power generation facilities. The curriculum combines core scientific principles with specialized technical courses in areas like industrial safety, process instrumentation, and equipment operation. Students gain practical skills in troubleshooting and using complex equipment, which prepares them for a high-wage career that’s vital to the energy and manufacturing sectors.
