The River Parishes are blessed in many ways, especially when it comes to well-paying jobs.

With multiple plant expansions and new Industry locating in the three-parish region, we have a great deal to be thankful.

Work force development, in times past, could mean a man works for a company for 20 years. His son or daughter comes of age, graduates from high school and he helps them to secure an entry level position with the company. They learn and grow into positions, get promoted and the cycle continues.

It was very much the norm for several generations to retire from the same company.

Today, with technological advancements and rapid growth in diverse areas, that isn’t necessarily a good scenario for larger Industry.

Industry requires training that is much more than on-the-job training can deliver. They require skills that encompass many areas that are not always directly related to the actual position.

For instance, a carpenter needs to have some basic math skills in order to measure a cut before it is made. If not you could end up with counter tops that do not fit properly or doors that don’t open or close. Think of the problems that would cause.

Process Operators, Instrumentation Technicians, Industrial Maintenance Technicians, Millwrights, Refrigeration Technicians, and Welders need many skills to perform their jobs correctly and safely.

Technical Colleges offer the best of both worlds. While you are learning hands on techniques for your future profession, you are also learning the skills that will match with the hands-on training. A well rounded graduate is what Industry is looking to hire.

South Central Louisiana Technical College graduates are work ready. Our graduates are well rounded, technically trained and ready to take on the challenges of Plant Life.

They have been taught the soft skills, critical thinking skills and social skills that will make them the preferred candidate for local Industry.

While some may say a two-year technical degree over a four-year University degree is not equal, we would have to agree. Here, at the Reserve Campus of South Louisiana Technical College, we know the difference. The difference is, after attaining a degree at SCL, you will have more opportunities for joining the workforce that is all around us.

Drive up or down Airline Highway and see all the opportunities just waiting for you.

Registration for Fall 2016 is open. Go to www.scl.edu.

Penelope Freeman is Campus Dean for South Central Louisiana Technical College. She is at the Reserve Campus. Email her at penelopefreeman@scl.edu.