Lake Charles Growth

[Spunt Drag]

Originally Posted by simplepeddler

the numbers mentioned above are accurate........I don't completely agree that organized labor were/are the only ones turning out skilled labor.

ABC has been doing it for years and the Pelican chapter in Baton Rouge continues to recognized as a leader in merit shop training.

Don't want to pick a fight over union vs labor ...........but I see niether as the "only" route.

With regards to experience, yes I see the TOP companies like Shell and Motiva (one in the same) as experience only places.........however, companies like Sasol where there is complete startup will indeed teach new comers.

Companies that are operating today simply cannot afford to not have expereience. Things blow up when rookies are at the helm.

Conversely, where everyone is potentially a "rookie" systems are in place to manage to the education levels.

You must also look into the "Service" industry to the mega expansions......places like wholesale valves, electrical, metal, pipe, safety, even nuts and bolts distributors are looking for good hard working young people.......

I myself have carved out quite a career selling to the plants and contractors that work in them.

Sasol will hire operations people with no experience but a craftsman i.e. electrician, instrument tech, machinist will not get hired on with no experience. I don't care how much schooling you have.

As far as merit shops like ABC, unless you are currently workin in the field you are going to ABC for, then there is simply no way you can go sit in a classroom 2 hours a night, twice a week, for 2 years and become a journeyman in your craft. It simply doesn't compute because in the end you still have no experience. The next 10 years will tell the tale on how lacking our craft training is. For the past 20 years our education system has taught that the only measure of self worth in life is a college degree. People like plumbers, welders, carpenters, and painters were classless and "dirty jobs". That chicken is fidna come home to roost. Bring back quality training programs, or learn Espanol.

Lengthy but good

Mike Rowe Talks to Congress - YouTube

Mike Rowe Talks to Congress - YouTube

[Reggoh]

Originally Posted by Spunt Drag

Sasol will hire operations people with no experience but a craftsman i.e. electrician, instrument tech, machinist will not get hired on with no experience. I don't care how much schooling you have.

As far as merit shops like ABC, unless you are currently workin in the field you are going to ABC for, then there is simply no way you can go sit in a classroom 2 hours a night, twice a week, for 2 years and become a journeyman in your craft. It simply doesn't compute because in the end you still have no experience.

This is good advice... I work for an Industrial Electrical contractor based in SW LA and I can tell you that we highly promote ABC school by giving an extra $1/hr to helpers that attend school after work.

Guys that complete craft training at Sowela and ABC are still classified as Entry Level (Top Helper) until they get the field experience. Now I will say that these guys typically advance faster than non-trained employees but it's not overnight.

We are already starting to see the advance planning stages of the predicted construction boom. All 3 of the LNG facilities are doing work right now in preparation for their upcoming expansions. There will be ALOT of work in the Lake Charles area in the next 5-10 years... all of these expansions will require new skilled labor... now is the time to get that experience.

These new facilities will also be increasing pay and benefits to lure experienced craftsmen from some of the other local plants... someone has to take their spots.

[simplepeddler]

[QUOTE=Reggoh;622335]This is good advice... I work for an Industrial Electrical contractor based in SW LA and I can tell you that we highly promote ABC school by giving an extra $1/hr to helpers that attend school after work.

Guys that complete craft training at Sowela and ABC are still classified as Entry Level (Top Helper) until they get the field experience. Now I will say that these guys typically advance faster than non-trained employees but it's not overnight.

We are already starting to see the advance planning stages of the predicted construction boom. All 3 of the LNG facilities are doing work right now in preparation for their upcoming expansions. There will be ALOT of work in the Lake Charles area in the next 5-10 years... all of these expansions will require new skilled labor... now is the time to get that experience.


Electrical distribution for 30 years now........and for 30 years we have been talking about the skilled labor shortage......it ebbs and flows.....time is the issue.

Still today kids that work hard, keep a clean head and pass a pee test can work themselves up to six figures in this state.