CHALMETTE, LA – On Thursday, March 9, students from Nunez Community College’s industrial technology (PTEC) program had the opportunity to learn from industry experts at Shell Oil’s training facility in Robert, Louisiana.
This marks the fifth time that Nunez Community College students have visited Shell to learn about pipeline maintenance and inspections, among other topics, from Shell staff. At Shell’s training facility, students were able to run a pig, which is a device that is run through a pipeline in order to clean and inspect the pipeline internally.
“Pigging is an important safety and maintenance procedure for oil and gas pipelines,” said Keith Tolleson, associate professor of PTEC at Nunez. “Many of our PTEC students want to work in the oil and gas industry for a company like Shell, so this experience at the Shell training facility is invaluable to them as they get ready to enter the workforce.”
Nunez’ PTEC program prepares students to enter industry as operators, and some students have aspirations of continuing their education as the demand for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) professionals continues to grow in the United States.
Susan Baudier of Harahan, Louisiana, is working toward her associate of applied science degree in industrial technology at Nunez, but doesn’t plan to stop her education there. She wants to complete an engineering degree in the future, after gaining some industry experience.
“I’d like to start working as an operator and get real experience, but I want to continue my education too,” said Baudier. “Less than 20 percent of engineers are women, and I want to see that change.”
Charles “Hoot” Houidobre is an operations support/training coordinator with Shell who facilitated the training. He was encouraged by the number of younger students and women enrolled in the PTEC program and in attendance at the training.
“This is a great course for our younger folks that are looking to get into our industry,” said Houidobre. “I was also happy to see more women in the class. It’s encouraging to see this trend go up.”
Nunez Community College is an open-enrollment comprehensive community college offering over 30 academic and technical programs. Prospective students interested in the industrial technology (PTEC) program at Nunez Community College should apply to the College online here
Early registration for summer and fall classes begins on Monday, April 3. Questions about admissions and registration can be directed to the Office of Student Affairs at (504) 278-6467 or admissions@nunez.edu
