SBEDF Board of Directors Tour Nasa’s Michaud Assembly Facility

CHALMETTE, LA — St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation’s (SBEDF) Board of Directors recently toured NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility following their September board meeting.  The meeting began on the Nunez Community College campus with a presentation by Chancellor Tina Tinney before boarding a bus and traveling under seven miles to the sprawling facility in New Orleans East.  Tinney spoke about the importance of equipping the local workforce with the training necessary to close skill gaps and prepare the public for the jobs of tomorrow.  

“Our mission is to provide relevant and innovative training and education in an effort to prepare our students not only for jobs of tomorrow, but also for jobs that don’t yet exist,"  Tinney said. "The Nunez Aerospace Manufacturing Technology Program is just one example of a new pathway for students in a high-wage, high-demand field."  

The Aerospace Manufacturing Technology program at Nunez Community College provides classroom and hands-on training that allows students to develop the knowledge and credentials required of an entry-level Aerospace Manufacturing Technician position.  The curriculum was developed to support the employment needs of Boeing who is currently manufacturing the largest rocket ever, as part of NASA’s Orion Project.  The Aerospace Manufacturing Technology program is the only aerospace manufacturing program in the state of Louisiana, and what SBEDF Executive Director, Andrew Jacques believes to be a prime example of why St. Bernard Parish an ideal location for business expansion.  

“When companies are looking to relocate or expand, a major consideration is whether or not they will be able to find the high-quality workforce required to be successful,” explains Jacques.  “Having a partner in Nunez Community College that has a proven track record of developing workforce for economic development projects dramatically helps our competitiveness.”

The tour at Michoud included a look at NASA’s world-class facility and the building of the largest components of the Space Launch System (SLS.)  SBEDF board members were treated to a peek at the recently completed SLS rocket engine section, the lowest portion of the massive core stage for NASA’s rocket.  Sean Warner, SBEDF Chairman described the experience as awe-inspiring and a testament to the ingenuity of our workforce. “Most residents in St. Bernard Parish have no idea that the technology that will bring humans back to the moon and beyond is being developed in our own backyard,” explained Warner.  “It was exhilarating to not only see such a monumental project being manufactured right here in Southeast Louisiana, but also knowing that our parish’s residents and graduates of Nunez Community College will have a hand in its success.”

Occupational Outlook lists median income for Aerospace Manufacturing Technicians as $65,730.  Nunez Community College welcomes individuals interested in the program to visit their website at www.nunez.edu/academics/aerospace-manufacturing-technology for more information.  The program can be completed in as little as one year.

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About the St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation 
Serving as the official economic development organization in the parish, the St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation (SBEDF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2005 to create and retain jobs, build prosperity, and improve the quality of life in St. Bernard. To learn more about SBEDF and its work, visit sbedf.org.

About Nunez Community College
Nunez Community College is a student-centered institution that delivers relevant and innovative curriculum integrating the arts, sciences, and humanities leading to academic credentials and workforce opportunities. Nunez serves a vital role in the community by engaging with partners to support student success and personal growth. Nunez Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas. Nunez is located at 3710 Paris Road, Chalmette, LA. For more information, visit www.nunez.edu.