Future process operators from South Plaquemines and Belle Chase High Schools toured the Industrial Technology degree program at Nunez Community College earlier this month.

Nunez PTEC instructor and retired process operator, Ray Frey, led the tours along with representatives from industry partner, Phillips 66. The students, who participate in their school’s dual-enrollment programs with Nunez, toured the process technology
(PTEC) labs and classrooms. After donning hardhats and safety goggles, they toured Nunez’s state-of-the-art distillation training plant with its true-to-life, computerized
control panels.

Dominic Henry, South Plaquemines High’s quarterback and a dual-enrollment
student, shared his excitement about continuing the family tradition of process operations in the oil industry. Like several of the visiting students, Henry plans on attending Nunez after high school, for the two-year Industrial Technology program.

With the two-year degree, process operators earn an average of $58,800, annually. Graduates of the PTEC program at Nunez enjoy an overall graduate placement rate of greater than 70 percent with industry-leading partners.