OREANDA-NEWS. The Lake Charles LNG project, which is being developed by BG Group and Energy Transfer to enable the terminal to export gas from the US, is helping to boost the quality and uptake of technical education through a new partnership with SOWELA Technical Community College. 

Southwest Louisiana – where the Lake Charles LNG terminal is located – has announced a number of industrial expansions in recent years.  These could provide far-reaching economic benefits for local communities, including scores of new jobs. But they have also presented challenges to resourcing and developing tomorrow’s workforce for the region. 

The education partnership will see the Lake Charles LNG project provide a $250,000 grant to SOWELA Technical Community College to purchase equipment and introduce new classes. These will offer students the opportunity to study for industry-based qualifications in process technology and industrial instrumentation.

“The partnership between SOWELA and Lake Charles LNG will allow the College to establish technical dual enrollment programs on the high school level, thereby exposing students earlier to the skills and training they need to pursue and obtain excellent careers in the process technology and instrumentation fields,” stated Dr Neil Aspinwall, Chancellor of SOWELA.

With the dual enrolment program students at Lake Charles Boston Academy, a local high school, will be able to take college-level technical courses.  They will have access to industry professionals and career coaching to encourage, inspire and support them in their pursuit of higher education and careers in the LNG and related sectors.

“We believe education is the foundation of a strong community,” said Jason Klein, Asset General Manager for BG Group in the US.  

“We are proud of the role we play in the communities where we operate and live, and we are committed to engaging with community partners to deliver high quality educational opportunities for future generations of LNG and industrial workers,” Klein added.

Jeff Brightwell, Vice President LNG Operations for Energy Transfer, said: “In addition to this partnership, Lake Charles LNG is implementing a process technology internship program next semester, which will further strengthen the qualifications of SOWELA students interested in pursuing a career in the energy industry.” 

“This is a great example of business and industry taking an active role in the development of the future workforce of Louisiana”

Dr Neil Aspinwall SOWELA Chancellor

Earlier in 2015, the Lake Charles LNG project and the Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana announced $50,000 in scholarships and career counseling for unemployed or underemployed residents pursuing careers in the construction trades.

Exporting LNG from the proposed Lake Charles LNG project to world markets is expected to provide economic and employment related benefits, including approximately 250 full-time positions and 4,000 construction jobs.

Final investment decisions from both BG Group and Energy Transfer are expected to be made in 2016, with construction to start immediately following a positive decision and first LNG exports anticipated about four years later.