Ribbon Cutting for Heavy Equipment Operator Program Set for Thursday

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday
at Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) Downtown Alexandria Campus at
516 Murray Street in celebration of the school’s Heavy Equipment Operator program based in
Jena and Alexandria.
“We appreciate the opportunity to host the Heavy Equipment Operator program at our campus,”
said CLTCC Rod Brady Campus Dean Laurel Comeaux. “We thank all of our partners who have
provided support, and State Senator Glen Womack who got the ball rolling for this program. It
would not have been possible without all their support.”
Dr. Heather Poole, Executive Vice Chancellor of Academics and Student Affairs, explained
classes for the Heavy Equipment Operator began in September after months of work and
planning. Senator Womack assisted in supporting the establishment of the program as part of
an initiative to increase programming at rural campuses. The program received additional
support in March when Gov. John Bel Edwards announced the Professional Resilience
Occupations (PRO) workforce development initiative.
“CLTCC partnered with Louisiana Caterpillar, which offered to provide five heavy equipment
apparatus for use by students,” Poole said. They will also provide the maintenance and provide
training support for the equipment. RoyOMartin partnered with the school to provide the
transportation needed to get the equipment to the Rod Brady campus training site. The City of
Jena along with LaSalle Economic Development District worked together to provide land for the
students to train on the equipment.
Misty Slayter, Vice Chancellor, Workforce Solutions, added, “Thanks to our partners donating
the equipment, we are able to begin short-term classes immediately until the PRO-funded
equipment arrives. This collaboration is an amazing partnership among our education,
economic development, and industry partners that underscores the importance of and need for
heavy equipment training.”
“This is another great example of what can be done when everyone, government officials,
industry partners, economic developers, and educators, works together to benefit students,”
said CLTCC Chancellor Dr. Jimmy Sawtelle. “This Heavy Equipment Operator training program
will not only provide central Louisiana residents an affordable educational and training opportunity to be able to better themselves by getting a job in a high-paying, in-demand career,it will also help improve our state’s resilience and ability to recover from hurricanes and other natural disasters. CLTCC is proud to be a part of this outstanding effort to benefit all Louisiana
residents.” Both CLTCC programs have financial aid and scholarship opportunities available.
For information about enrollment at CLTCC visit www.CLTCC.edu/apply. For more information,
contact the school via email at info@cltcc.edu or call 800-278-9855.
About the Central Louisiana Technical Community College
Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) is a two-year technical and community college
offering associate degrees, technical diplomas, industry certificates, and customized training in more than
20 disciplines to support local workforce development and prepare students for high-demand and highwage
careers. CLTCC serves 10 parishes in Central Louisiana through its eight campuses and provides
instruction in one state prison and one federal correctional institution. For more information, visit
www.cltcc.edu.