HAMMOND — Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC) has worked in collaboration with lead grantee Delgado Community College, fellow LCTCS colleges Nunez Community College and River Parishes Community College, and GNO, Inc., to receive a $5.75 million in training, which is part of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Strengthening Community College initiative.
This partnership will focus on providing training programs that enhance access to infrastructure-related careers for historically underrepresented students across Southeast Louisiana.
“This significant investment by the Department of Labor represents progressive and responsive collaboration among the four LCTCS colleges within GNO, Inc.’s 10-parish region, and will offer numerous pathways to prosperity for our citizens,” said Dr. Jim Carlson, Chancellor of NTCC. The initiative aims to address representation gaps in targeted occupations by removing barriers to program enrollment, completion, and employment for underserved students, ensuring they benefit equitably from recent infrastructure investments and career opportunities.
“This grant will significantly enhance our ability to offer specialized training programs right here at the Sullivan Campus,” added Dewayne Lambert, Dean of the Sullivan Campus. “By expanding our infrastructure-focused courses, we’re not only addressing the needs of our local industries but also providing our students with the skills and opportunities that lead to rewarding careers. This investment ensures that our campus remains a vital resource for workforce development in the region.”
GNO, Inc. will serve as the sector convener, project manager, and data aggregator. Leveraging its extensive network and relationships with employers and stakeholders, GNO, Inc. will provide labor market information, facilitate discussions between schools and employers, and compile ongoing data from each of the colleges. “The collaborative efforts of our community colleges, workforce development boards, and employers will create a robust pipeline of skilled workers ready to take on the challenges of today’s infrastructure projects,” said Michael Hecht, President and CEO of GNO, Inc.
Over the four-year grant period, NTCC will focus on expanding two key infrastructure training programs: Electric Line Technician and Heavy Equipment Operator, to meet the needs of the region. “At the heart of our mission is providing affordable, accessible
educational options to the Northshore community that also enhance the communities we serve,” said Carlson. “Our infrastructure partners have asked for skilled technicians and operators, and we are responding to their needs”.