At Nunez Community College, students can train to operate heavy equipment through a six-week workforce development course designed to fast-track careers
Author: Whitney Miller / WWL Louisiana | Published: 8:32 AM CDT April 7, 2026 | Updated: 8:37 AM CDT April 7, 2026
CHALMETTE, La. — With construction booming across Louisiana, the demand for skilled workers is growing fast — and one local program is helping people get job-ready in just weeks.
At Nunez Community College, students can train to operate heavy equipment through a six-week workforce development course designed to fast-track careers in high-demand industries.
“Students are learning to operate different pieces of light lift equipment and heavy equipment,” said Brian Gibson, Director of Workforce Development at Nunez. “From the first day, it’s hands-on — but there’s also a study component so they understand why they’re doing what they do.”
The program includes training on equipment such as forklifts, telehandlers, boom lifts, and more, and incorporates nationally recognized curriculum from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).
Gibson says the program was created in response to a clear need.
“With federal, state, and local projects happening across the region, there’s a lot of construction going on,” he said. “We want to make sure our community is prepared to step into these high-paying jobs.”
Students who complete the course can earn multiple certifications, opening the door to opportunities not only in construction but also in maritime, energy, and infrastructure industries.
In addition to individual enrollment, local companies can also send employees through the program to get certified. Nunez has even partnered with industry leaders to create customized training programs—helping businesses upskill their teams while strengthening the local workforce.
The college also offers shorter, more flexible training options. That includes a three-hour forklift certification class for $100, as well as a two-day Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) course where students learn to operate multiple types of lift equipment.
Course dates and availability can be found on the Nunez website under the workforce training tab.
And for those starting from scratch, no experience is required.
“It’s built for people who may not have ever operated this kind of equipment before,” Gibson said. “We’re giving them a pathway to a new career.”
How to sign up
The next six-week Heavy Equipment course begins April 20 and runs Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Nunez campus in Chalmette.
The program costs $5,500, and financial assistance may be available through the MJ Foster Promise Program.
To learn more or enroll: Visit Nunez.edu, email bgibson@nunez.edu, or fill out a course inquiry form on the college’s workforce training page
