PTECH option offered for students

A select group of juniors and seniors from the St. John the Baptist Parish Public School District will have the opportunity to earn free college credits this summer while exploring a career in process technology.

Process technicians are skilled plant operators required by local refineries. The partnership between the St. John the Baptist Parish Public School District and South Central Louisiana Technical College in Reserve is part of the school district’s effort to link students to high-paying jobs right here in St. John the Baptist Parish.

St. John the Baptist Parish President Natalie Robottom, Marathon Community Relations Coordinator Aspen Murphy and SCLTC Campus Dean Penelope Freeman spoke to qualifying students about career opportunities available in the field on May 8.

“One hundred thousand dollars is how much you can make in two years after you graduate from the process technology program,” Murphy said. “On average, our employees make $100,000 for a two-year degree. So by age 20, 21 you could be making that if you take the classes, pass the test, go through the interview process and get hired, and we hire most of our employees from St. John the Baptist Parish.”

Students selected for the program had to earn qualifying ACT scores and demonstrate proficiency is STEM-related classes. Those who decide to participate can take two college classes this summer, earning them six college credits, and have the opportunity to continue their educations in the fall.