RESERVE — Melvin Johnson, of Shell-Motiva, recently visited with South Central Louisiana Technical College’s Scholars Academy students.

The specialized program helps incoming freshman through the first year of college.

As a processor, production coordinator and new hire trainer, Johnson explained the Norco manufacturing complex needs applicants with an expertise in troubleshooting, technical aptitude, industrial experience and skilled certification. He stressed the importance of safety first.

The Norco complex frequently recruits operators, instrumentation technicians, electricians and welders to staff the refinery and chemical plants.

SCL Technical College students receive specialized classroom instruction in various plant operations, functions and processes, along with practical, hands-on shop experience, according to Penelope Freeman, campus dean.