College Passes Endorsement Audit with Flying Colors, Recognized for Excellent Industry Reputation, Impressive Hands-on Training Units
Lake Charles, Louisiana – January 29, 2025
SOWELA’s Process Technology program recently received an endorsement by the North American Process Technology Affiliate (NAPTA). The College is one of 12 in the U.S. that received the designation. The endorsement comes following an extensive accreditation audit that included curriculum, industry feedback and facilities.
“We are thrilled to announce that SOWELA’s Process Technology program has received this prestigious endorsement from NAPTA. It is a significant achievement, reflecting our program’s adherence to the highest standards in process technology education,” said SOWELA School of Industrial Technology Dean Rob Null.
Positive findings include integration of the Work Ethic curriculum into the Process Technology program; strong instructor involvement in NAPTA conferences, demonstrating dedication to professional development; excellent feedback from industry representatives regarding the program; effective incorporation of industry and student feedback into continuous improvement initiatives; very nice lab-scale units and an impressive hands-on training unit; and excellent equipment and facilities for Operations labs.
“This endorsement underscores our commitment to providing top-tier education and training, equipping our students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the process technology industry,” said Null. “We are proud to be recognized for dedication to excellence and our ongoing efforts to align our program with industry needs.”
Earning a NAPTA endorsement requires a comprehensive evaluation of the curriculum to ensure it encompasses the eight core courses essential for process technology, including Introduction to Process Technology, Process Equipment and Process Instrumentation. SOWELA must also maintain an active, industry-led advisory committee that convenes regularly to provide valuable insights and guidance. This rigorous process ensures that SOWELA’s program exceeds industry expectations, preparing SOWELA students to be highly competent professionals.
The endorsement is valid through 2027 and continues SOWELA’s good-standing membership with NAPTA. A follow-up audit is required in three years.
SOWELA’s Process Technology program prepares individuals to monitor, operate and maintain equipment used in the processing of raw material into marketable chemical/petrochemical products. It includes instruction in material handling, crushing, grinding and sizing, extraction, distillation, evaporation, drying, absorption, heat transfer, cracking and reaction processes.
Students sharpen their skills through hands-on training with state-of-the-art equipment, such as the only higher educational LNG training skid in South Louisiana, Simtronics, glass labs and much more.
SOWELA’s Process Technology program graduates have strong placement rates due to high demand in the local petrochemical industry. According to instructor surveys and industry partners, SOWELA’s placement rate is 90% within the first six months. Common job titles and average annual salaries for SOWELA graduates are Process Technician ($68,750), Petrochemical Operator ($60,000), Refinery Operator ($72,500) and Chemical Plant Operator ($65,000).
For more information about SOWELA’s Process Technology program or how to apply, visit www.sowela.edu/apply or contact onestop@sowela.edu. Scholarships and financial aid are available for those who qualify.
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.