The faint smell of new paint wafts through the halls as students find their new classroom.

The new Center of Advancement for Technical Education (CATE) building opened to students Jan. 17 for the first classes.

With this addition in classrooms, South Central Louisiana Technical College, Reserve Campus has the capacity to grow to 1,400 students.

New Student’s Services offices will enhance the student experience.  Administration offices as well as PTECH offices have moved into the new building, as well.

The emptied space in PTECH will be used for Adjunct Instructors and the empty classrooms are being filled with Instrumentation students. The Industrial Instrumentation Department is being re-vamped with additional classrooms and, through the generosity of Greenup Industries, a new hands-on lab for students.

Spring census numbers are over 792 students and Summer session is currently accepting applications.

With so many things happening, this seemed a good venue to share with the community. Beginning in March, a joint effort with Delgado Community College will enhance the Industrial Maintenance Program.

Students may attend classes for this special session for FREE. Certifications in NCCER Core and Core Plus will be awarded upon completion.

Students will be eligible for applying for an Associate’s Degree in Industrial Maintenance with classes transferred from the program.

To inquire or sign up for the program call Carin Fernandez at the Reserve Campus.  Classes begin March 2 and run through April 27.

They are held Tuesday through Thursdays from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. — perfect for employed students looking for a better opportunity.

Internships and Apprenticeships are becoming more abundant for Reserve students. Our Industry Partners are sponsoring more of these each semester.

With the start of an Industrial Electrician Program being added to the Reserve campus, there is even more opportunities for graduates to stay in the area and work for local Industry.

A scattering of mini classes will be held on the Reserve Campus in the coming months.  Certified Nursing Assistant will be held June 1 through July 25th.

OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 Certification classes are available, as well as First Aide, CPR and AED. Business classes will be offered online this summer for those wishing to learn a new program or just fine tune current skills.

Classes are available for groups and can be scheduled days, evenings or Saturdays.

The Reserve Campus enjoys a solid reputation for Customized Training and intends to continue to offer its facilities and Instructors to local Business and Industry.

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