Lafayette, LA – In fall 2024, South Louisiana Community College (SoLAcc) welcomed its first cohort of students into the newly launched Advanced Welding Technology program at the St. Martinville campus. This innovative program is designed to address the growing demand for highly skilled welders, particularly in the oil and gas sectors, by offering advanced training in pipe welding.
The Advanced Welding Technology certificate program is an extension of the college’s existing welding curriculum, providing students with an additional 990 contact hours beyond the traditional Welding Technical Diploma. Focused on hands-on instruction, the program emphasizes pipe welding techniques in all positions, equipping students with expertise in shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). Graduates of the program are eligible to earn NCCER Level 3 credentials, positioning them for success in the competitive welding job market.
The launch of the program reflects SoLAcc’s proactive approach to addressing local industry needs. Local leaders from companies such as Turner Industries, Acadian Contractors, Gulf Island Fabrication, Chart Industries, and Bagwell Energy played a pivotal role in shaping the program’s curriculum through their contributions to the advisory council. Their guidance ensures that the program aligns with current industry standards, giving students the skills required by local employers.
Joshua Lasseigne, the welding instructor at SoLAcc, emphasized the importance of adapting to the evolving needs of the workforce. “This new program exemplifies SoLAcc’s commitment to preparing students for in-demand, high-paying jobs,” Lasseigne said. “With the ever-growing need for skilled welders, particularly in the oil and gas sectors, graduates of our Advanced Welding Technology program will be well-prepared to pass the 6G pipe test, which is a critical certification for employment throughout South Louisiana.”
The program’s comprehensive training ensures that graduates not only gain proficiency in performing high-quality pipe welds but also develop an in-depth understanding of welding codes, weld quality, and both destructive and non-destructive weld examination methods. These skills are essential for securing high-level positions in the welding industry.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for welders in Louisiana is approximately $60,000, making welding a lucrative and stable career path. With the support of industry partnerships and a robust curriculum, SoLAcc is positioning its graduates to thrive in one of the state’s most essential and rewarding fields.
As the program continues to grow, SoLAcc is already preparing to enroll its second cohort of students, further solidifying its role as a key player in training the next generation of skilled welders. With its strong ties to the local industry and focus on real-world applications, the Advanced Welding Technology program at SoLAcc is poised to make a significant impact on the workforce in South Louisiana.