Industrial Electrical Technology Now Offered at SOWELA Oakdale with Classes Starting in August
(Lake Charles, Louisiana – April 28, 2023)
Program offerings at the SOWELA Oakdale site are expanding in time for the Fall 2023 semester. For the first time, students can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Industrial Electrical Technology at the Allen Parish site. The program was added to help meet local job market demands and in response to student feedback.
“In some cases, student requests intersect with industry needs, and this is one of those times” said SOWELA Oakdale Site Coordinator Magan Soileau. “We listened to what our students were interested in, as well as the workforce needs of our industry partners, and this is the tangible result. It is a great opportunity for our community.”
In Louisiana, job openings for electrical positions are projected to grow by 15% by 2030 with almost 80,000 openings annually according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The typical salary for an industrial electrician is $32/hour with opportunities for overtime and an increase in salary with experience according to the Louisiana Workforce Commission.
Individuals interested in learning more about this program are invited to attend a free Industrial Electrical Informational Session on Tuesday, June 27, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM at SOWELA Oakdale, 117 Highway 1152, Oakdale, LA 71463. To register, visit the registration page (opens new window). Prospective students can meet faculty, tour the site and learn about available financial aid and scholarships.
SOWELA’s Industrial Electrical program prepares individuals to install, troubleshoot and repair wiring, electrical equipment and other electrical devices used in the industrial environment, such as motors, transformers, control systems, industrial instruments and lighting systems.
Additional programs available at SOWELA Oakdale include Industrial Instrumentation Technology, Practical Nursing and Welding. The Oakdale location also offers dual enrollment courses and free Adult Education classes for individuals working toward their HiSet diploma, formerly known as a GED. Industrial Electrical Technology is also offered at SOWELA’s Main Campus in Lake Charles and SOWELA Jennings.
SOWELA is currently registering for Fall 2023. Scholarships and financial aid are available for those who qualify. For more information or to register, contact SOWELA Oakdale at (318) 335-3944 or email onestop@sowela.edu.
About SOWELA Technical Community College
SOWELA Technical Community College provides traditional, distance, and lifelong learning experiences and awards associate degrees, technical diplomas, and certificates. The College empowers learners in career and technical education and enables transfer students to pursue a four-year degree, so all learners excel as globally competitive citizens. The College has been educating the region’s workforce for 85 years.