Nunez Community College to Acquire $1 Million LNG Training Unit, Expanding Workforce Pipeline for Lo

Nunez Community College to Acquire $1 Million LNG Training Unit, Expanding Workforce Pipeline for Louisiana’s Energy Sector
SCC4 grant awarded to the Greater New Orleans Infrastructure Partnership enables state-of-the-art Process Technology training

 

 

Nunez Community College announced today that it will procure a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) hands-on training unit—valued at nearly $1 million—to expand the Process Technology (PTEC) program at its Chalmette campus with LNG-specific, industry-aligned instruction.

 

With U.S. Department of Labor authorization now in place, the acquisition is moving forward under the Strengthening Community Colleges Round 4 (SCC4) grant awarded to the Greater New Orleans Infrastructure Partnership (GNOIP), a consortium that includes Nunez, Delgado Community College, Northshore Technical Community College, and River Parishes Community College. The GNOIP aims to modernize equipment and curricula in advanced manufacturing, transportation, construction, maritime logistics, and energy.

 

“This investment puts world-class LNG technology within reach of our students and faculty,” said Dr. Tina Tinney, Chancellor of Nunez Community College. “The new trainer will allow us to simulate the full LNG production environment so graduates are work-ready on day one for high-demand operator roles across Louisiana’s growing LNG industry.”

 

The LNG hands-on training (HOT) unit will enable PTEC students to practice critical competencies in a controlled, real-equipment setting by allowing learners to gain practical experience with refrigeration, compression, vaporization and liquefaction processes. By providing a safe and controlled environment for hands-on learning, the HOT unit helps prepare students for careers in the LNG industry and enhances the skills of existing operators, ensuring they are equipped to work safely and efficiently in this critical sector.

 

These capabilities will be embedded across PTEC coursework, giving students the hands-on experience employers require. Nunez has collaborated closely with LNG operators such as Venture Global to align curriculum and lab experiences with current plant operations.

 

Kyle Steib, Program Chair for Process Technology (PTEC) at Nunez, said, “This trainer elevates our labs from simulation to operations-grade training and shortens the time from classroom to control room.”

 

Reggie Poché, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Education, Training, and Student Success, added, “This acquisition is a direct outcome of the SCC4 grant and our GNOIP collaboration. It modernizes our labs, scales cohort capacity, and connects students to stackable credentials and work-based learning aligned to employer needs. Most importantly, it keeps opportunity local—preparing residents for good-paying LNG careers right here in Louisiana.”

 

The LNG sector is rapidly expanding nationwide and along the Gulf Coast, and Louisiana’s industrial employers have identified skilled process operators as a critical workforce need. The new unit strengthens Nunez’s ability to deliver a reliable, local talent pipeline for LNG facilities and related energy infrastructure projects while supporting regional economic growth.

 

The fall semester is right around the corner at Nunez. Apply at Nunez.edu to enroll in the PTEC program before classes begin Aug. 19. Get assistance from our Student Success Team at Nunez.edu/Advising.

 

Nunez Community College is a student-centered institution that delivers relevant and innovative curricula integrating the arts, sciences, and humanities leading to academic credentials and workforce opportunities. Nunez serves a vital role in the community by engaging with partners to support student success and personal growth. Nunez Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Nunez Community College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Nunez Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA  30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org). Nunez is located at 3710 Paris Road, Chalmette, LA. For more information, visit www.nunez.edu.