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South Louisiana Community College outlines new training tied to First Solar plant, council hears
Summary
SLCC told the Iberia Parish Council that it is expanding short-term workforce programs and investing in equipment to prepare residents for jobs at First Solar, which SLCC and college officials said will bring about 700 jobs to the region.
South Louisiana Community College representatives told the Iberia Parish Council on Nov. 20 that the college is expanding short-term workforce programs aimed at preparing residents for jobs at the First Solar plant coming to the area.
Thomas Falgu, identified himself as development/annual giving manager for the SLCC foundation, and Nicole Lopez, campus director, described new and existing programs to be offered at the New Iberia campus, including an industrial maintenance technician course, technical diplomas and short-term workforce classes such as welding, plumbing, CDL and phlebotomy. "We also offer technical diplomas... it's typically fall, spring, and summer," Lopez said, describing program formats and accreditation availability.
Anthony Baham, dean of workforce programs, said SLCC has invested in equipment for programs that will feed the local labor market and highlighted the plant-level opportunity. "First Solar... is about... 700 jobs," Baham said, noting the college is spending roughly $1,000,000 on equipment for the industrial maintenance program and described a 15-week industrial maintenance pathway with hands-on robotics, PLCs and hydraulics.
Parish President Larry Richard praised the partnership, saying workforce development for local residents was a priority during the company's site negotiations. Council members asked about accreditation and whether First Solar would hire students before program completion; SLCC officials said programs are accredited, are available on campus in New Iberia, and the college is pursuing work-based learning agreements so students can earn while they learn.
Why it matters: SLCC leaders framed the effort as a rapid pipeline to jobs at a major private investment. Council members and the parish administration characterized the SLCC–First Solar relationship as a key economic driver for Iberia Parish and nearby communities.
What's next: SLCC said enrollment for spring and summer terms is open and the industrial maintenance program is slated to begin in the summer; council members encouraged continued coordination between the college, parish workforce efforts and First Solar.
Ending: The presentation concluded with council praise and questions about how the college will track placements; no formal action was taken at the council meeting on the programs themselves.
