CLTCC announces training for millwright apprentice jobs in Jena
Successful graduates could be selected for millwright positions at Universal Plant Services in Jena
Alexandria, LA — Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) today announced a short-term Millwright Apprentice Training Program at its Rod Brady campus in Jena to help fill 40 to 50 entry-level millwright positions at Universal Plant Services Inc. (UPS), a new machine services plant in Jena.
“We’re very excited about the new job growth in Jena, and we feel fortunate that we can play a part in training workers for these new positions,” said Dr. Rodney Ellis, CLTCC chancellor. “When we can partner with businesses like UPS to develop training programs based on their needs and then help our local workforce acquire the skills the employer wants, we’re truly fulfilling our purpose as a technical community college.”
“This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is unemployed, underemployed or just looking to begin a new career,” said Marvinette Holly, dean of workforce development at CLTCC. “Our job is to help grow our communities. Through this program, we’re providing UPS a pool of workers with the skills they need, and UPS is offering new, good-paying jobs for residents in this area.”
The starting salaries for the millwright positions range from $13 to $15 per hour plus benefits.
“This is a win-win situation for everyone,” said Murphy McMillin, mayor of Jena. “We are extremely excited about the expansion of educational opportunities at the Rod Brady campus here in Jena. A trained workforce is vital to the success of this project, and we are thankful for the college and its role in our growth.”
UPS announced its plans to invest more than $3.9 million in Jena in December 2012. Construction of the facility began in January 2013.
CLTCC, the Central Louisiana Economic Development Alliance, the Louisiana Economic Development FastStart™ and the Louisiana Workforce Commission Area 60 are all partnering with UPS to train potential candidates for positions at the facility.
The training is scheduled to begin Feb. 3, 2014, and includes first-aid certification, OSHA certification, millwright fundamentals, mechanical components and mechanical systems maintenance. The tuition is $1,525.
“The training has been discounted by grant funding for the first training group,” said Holly. “Without the grant funding, the cost to participants would be double the current costs.”
The Louisiana Workforce Commission Area 60 will be awarding 10 scholarships to qualified participants in the first training group. The scholarships will cover tuition and supportive services.
To find out more about the training or to enroll, contact Remus Jones, CLTCC workforce solutions coordinator, at (318) 487-5443, ext. 1123 or by email at remusjones@cltcc.edu. To find out more about the scholarships, contact Gay Stringer, Louisiana Workforce Commission Area 60 director, at (318) 992-8264.
