BY DARIAN ATKINS

LOUISIANA DELTA COMMUNITY COLLEGE PRIDES itself on market relevancy. Staying abreast of in-demand skills is woven into the institution’s fabric and is undeniably crucial to its strong roots. Whether the path is academics driven, with students obtaining degrees and moving on to further their education, or the track is workforce driven, where students want to expeditiously acquire a skill to enter the job market right away, the institution consistently reviews programs and content to ensure there’s a future awaiting its students.

Many career paths have grown and evolved, like auto mechanics technicians don’t look at all how we’ve known them to be. The salaries have also evolved, and some career options that pay decent living wages are pathways we aren’t aware of at all, like trenchless utility installation technicians.

There is a great need for this skill set, and employers are desperately seeking qualified, trained workers. Brothers, Josh and Caleb Etheridge of Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit (EPC) can attest to that. Not only are they in need of workers, but many others are as well, and they’d really prefer to hire locals.

EPC is a dedicated and active partner in delivering training to students. Their technicians work in crews. “LDCC trains students to work every crew function within six weeks,” explains John Garrison, director of advanced manufacturing training at LDCC. LDCC is the only training provider that teaches all crew functions to a single class, and new classes begin once the previous students have completed the course.

“With the number of broadband projects in the region, there is ample opportunity for employment now and in the future,” shares Wendi Tostenson, Vice Chancellor of Academics and Student Services. The training program lasts six weeks, and is now enrolling for the February 6th class.

“The requirements for admission to the program are to be over the age of 18, have a positive attitude, and be willing to learn,” says instructor John Garrison. “Now, there may be additional requirements by a hiring company, but these are LDCC’s requirements to enter the program.”

This program covers a six-week training focused on utility installation for fiber and broadband cable. Students who successfully complete this course will have the ability to plan and execute proper horizontal directional drills to install utilities, including broadband fiber and also gas distribution piping. This course includes all aspects of safety, damage prevention, drilling, excavation, and product placement. A Competent Person for Excavation Certificate is embedded in the curriculum.

Classes are taught at LDCC’s West Monroe Campus, located at 609 Vocational Parkway. This program meets the qualifications for the MJ Foster Promise Program. Named after former Louisiana Governor Mike J. Foster, the MJ Foster Promise Program is a $10.5 million annual state fund that will provide financial support for students to earn credentials that align with high-demand jobs in growing industry sectors like Construction, Healthcare, Information Technology, Transportation & Logistics, and Manufacturing. This includes students pursuing associate degrees, technical certificates, or HiSET/high school equivalency (WorkreadyU).

The upcoming schedule for Trenchless Utility Installation Technician is as follows:

February 6th - March 17th April 17th - May 26th June 26th - August 4th

For more information regarding this program, other workforce programs, or becoming a Louisiana Delta Community College partner, call 318-345-9384.