Young Memorial to offer machine tool program

Staff Report
South Central Louisiana Technical College’s Young Memorial Campus in Morgan City will offer a machine tool program this fall in response to the overwhelming demand from local businesses for entry-level employees who have a basic knowledge and understanding of machine tools, a news release said.
On a statewide level, according to Louisiana Workforce Commission, machinist ranks as one of Louisiana’s top 25 occupations.
Young Memorial has partnered with Fletcher Technical Community College to develop a machine tool technology curriculum.
This program will be one semester and can accommodate 15 students.
Curriculum will include both hands-on-training and classroom instruction, focusing on leadership and personal development, employment skills, shop safety, shop tools, basic math, application of measuring instruments, blueprint reading, operation of lathes, operation of milling machines and basic understanding of CNC machines.
Upon completion, students will receive a certificate of completion and will be ready to enter the workforce as an apprentice machinist.
To further their training, students can transfer to Fletcher’s machine tool technology program to obtain an associate of applied science degree and advanced training of equipment, including CNC machines.
Implementation of the new machine tool program was made possible by the Workforce and Innovation for a Stronger Economy Fund.
The WISE Fund and the WISE Council were created by Act 803 of the 2014 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature.
The purpose of the WISE Fund is to provide incentives for postsecondary educational institutions to increase the production of certificates, diplomas, and degrees in fields of high demand by Louisiana employers, and to spur additional research and innovation as a meaningful way of supporting economic development.
Through the utilization of WISE Funds, Young Memorial will be hiring a full-time instructor and outfitting a lab space with supplies and equipment for training.
Additionally, WISE Funding will cover the majority of tuition for students who apply within the first year, leaving only a $300 fee, which could be covered through scholarship opportunities if the student is a Morgan City resident, allowing many students to attain this certificate for free.
The machine tool program will officially begin Aug. 19 and classes will be held Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Students interested in applying for this program should contact Young Memorial’s Office of Admissions at 985-380-2957.