South Louisiana Community College (SoLAcc) continues to lead the charge in workforce development, responding to the evolving needs of the communities we serve with new and expanded programs designed to equip individuals with the skills required for today’s job market. As the demands of local industries shift and grow, SoLAcc is committed to staying ahead, providing innovative training opportunities that empower our students and support regional economic growth.
Expanding CDL Training to St. Landry Parish
In response to the increasing demand for skilled commercial drivers, SoLAcc is expanding its highly successful Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program to St. Landry Parish. This expansion, made possible through a partnership with Evangeline Downs, brings our top-tier training closer to residents in the area. A kickoff and ribbon-cutting event will take place this fall, and the class is set to begin in the spring. CDL participants will use the Evangeline Downs north parking lot for their backing maneuvers, while utilizing the college’s Opelousas Campus for lectures and local roads for driving skills.
Industrial Maintenance Technician Program Comes to Iberia Parish
As major companies like First Solar and SafeSource Direct establish operations in Iberia Parish, the demand for skilled industrial maintenance technicians has surged. To meet this need, SoLAcc is launching a new Industrial Maintenance Technician program tailored to prepare students for these roles. Starting this fall, this 15-week course will cover manufacturing robotics, pneumatics, hydraulics, basic machining, and more, ensuring participants are equipped for high-wage, high-demand jobs in the industrial sector.
Utility Locator Program: Training for Critical Infrastructure Jobs
In addition to these expansions, SoLAcc is proud to introduce a Utility Locator program, a new offering that is already gaining traction. This program, made possible through partnerships with Atmos Energy, 811, USIC, ATT, LUS Fiber, Ditch Witch, Heath, and SLEMCO, trains students to become utility locators—professionals responsible for identifying and marking underground utilities before excavation projects. The four-week program, held in Crowley, is crucial as infrastructure development continues to boom, and the need for skilled utility locators grows rapidly.
New For-Credit Programs to Meet Workforce Needs
In addition to short-term programs, SoLAcc is expanding its for-credit offerings to help prepare students for high-demand fields. These new and expanded programs are strategically located to address the workforce needs of different regions:
· Crowley: SoLAcc is now offering CompTIA A+ certification (online courses in IT and Cybersecurity) and a new virtual Education program to meet the growing demand for professionals in these fields.
· New Iberia: Responding to the oil and gas industry's needs, SoLAcc has expanded its Oil and Gas Production Technician program to high-school students via dual enrollment, preparing local students for careers in this vital sector.
· Evangeline: The Advanced Welding Technology program, along with virtual General Education courses, are now available, offering residents new pathways into high-demand skilled trades.
· Franklin: The addition of Medical Assistant and Industrial Marine programs to the Franklin Campus provides critical training for students seeking careers in healthcare and marine industries.
· Abbeville: Similar to Crowley, the CompTIA A+ certification (online courses in IT and Cybersecurity) has been introduced to meet growing demand in the tech sector.
· Lafayette: In response to the increasing need for healthcare professionals, the Practical Nursing (PN) Program has added a night cohort, offering flexible scheduling for those looking to enter the nursing field.
These programs were developed and expanded as a direct response to the growing needs of the community, ensuring that SoLAcc remains at the forefront of workforce development and career readiness.
Investing in Workforce Development: Training and Partnerships
SoLAcc's commitment to workforce development extends beyond these new programs. In the past year alone, an impressive $1,083,765 in Incumbent Worker Training Program grants were awarded to local businesses, further strengthening their existing workforce. A total of 2,811 individuals were trained through these efforts, equipping them with the skills needed for successful careers in a competitive job market. SoLAcc also assisted 161 local businesses, fostering vital partnerships between education and industry.
A Commitment to Community and Economic Growth
SoLAcc’s expansion into new programs is a direct response to the needs of our community and the industries that drive our local economy. By partnering with local businesses and responding to industry demands, we are not just educating students—we are building the future workforce of South Louisiana. Our commitment to offering relevant, high-quality training ensures that our graduates are not only prepared for success but are also contributing to the economic prosperity of the region.