As featured on WWL-TV’s “Where’s Whitney”
A Fast Track to a New Career
In a region where the demand for skilled workers is growing rapidly, Nunez Community College in Chalmette, Louisiana is stepping up with a powerful solution — a short-term Heavy Equipment training program that transforms everyday people into certified, job-ready operators in just six weeks.
WWL-TV’s Whitney recently visited the Nunez campus to get an up-close look at this hands-on workforce development program, and what she found was nothing short of inspiring.
What the Program Offers
At Nunez Community College, students can train to operate heavy equipment through a six-week workforce development course designed to fast-track careers. WWLTV The program is intensive, immersive, and built for results.
Completers earn certifications to operate forklifts, telehandlers, aerial and scissor lifts, skid steers, bulldozers, excavators, and front payloaders. In addition to equipment training, completers also earn certificates in NCCER Core, NCCER Heavy Equipment Level I, OSHA-10, CPR through the American Heart Association, and Confined Space training. Facebook
That’s an impressive stack of credentials in a remarkably short amount of time.
Why It Matters
A growing demand for skilled workers across southeast Louisiana is pushing programs to train people faster and get them on job sites sooner. WWLTV Nunez’s Heavy Equipment program answers that call directly, bridging the gap between an untrained workforce and the booming construction industry.
As Nunez Workforce Director Brian Gibson has noted, “Students who complete this program will significantly improve their job prospects and their potential value at any construction-based work site.” Facebook
Real Results, Real Graduates
The program has already proven its impact. Six students received 14 industry certifications upon completing the course, with graduates coming from St. Bernard, Jefferson, St. Tammany, and Livingston parishes. WWLTV These aren’t just certificates — they represent real career transformations for people across the region.
How to Enroll
Financial assistance may be available to students through Louisiana’s MJ Foster Promise Program. Nunez Applicants must hold a valid U.S. driver’s license and pass a background check and substance abuse screening.
For more information or to register:
- 🌐 Visit Nunez.edu/Workforce
- 📧 Email Workforce Director Brian Gibson at bgibson@nunez.edu
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re looking for a career change, entering the workforce for the first time, or simply want to increase your earning potential, Nunez Community College’s Heavy Equipment program offers a clear, affordable, and fast pathway to a rewarding career in construction and skilled trades.
As seen on WWL-TV’s “Where’s Whitney” — this is one program that’s making a real difference in Southeast Louisiana, one operator at a time. 🚜
