Nunez Community College Expands Workforce Development with New Aerospace Facility Plans and Growing Industry Programs
An architectural rendering by Holly & Smith Architects of a proposed $9 million Aerospace Building on the Nunez campus. Nunez is currently raising funds to build the facility to host Aerospace alongside other MADE initiative programs including Maritime, Defense Manufacturing and Engineering.
ST. BERNARD PARISH, LA – St. Bernard Parish continues to strengthen its position as a hub for workforce development through Nunez Community College, where investments in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and energy are preparing students for careers in some of Louisiana's fastest-growing industries.
At the center of that momentum is a planned Aerospace Manufacturing Technology facility that will expand Nunez's capacity to train the next generation of skilled workers. As a result of Nunez’s advocacy during the legislative session, the Louisiana Legislature dedicated $4 million to support the expansion of the college's aerospace, welding, and manufacturing programs, as well as campus operations, bringing Nunez one step closer to constructing or retrofitting a state-of-the-art facility.
“Nunez Community College stands at the epicenter of economic growth and workforce development, serving not only the region but also supporting strategic Louisiana Economic Development investments across the state,” said Dr. Tina Tinney, Nunez Chancellor. “With the recent legislative investment into our campus and programs, our continued enrollment growth, and our expansion of programs across our service area, we are proud to strengthen our commitment to student success while providing the skilled workforce our industry partners need to thrive.”
The future building will support Nunez's MADE initiative, bringing together programs in Maritime, Aerospace, Defense Manufacturing, and Energy to create a collaborative learning environment that reflects the evolving needs of industry. The facility will strengthen the workforce pipeline for employers across Southeast Louisiana while providing students with access to cutting-edge training in high-demand technical careers.
The investment builds upon the success of Nunez's Aerospace Manufacturing Technology program, which has awarded more than 300 industry credentials since its launch in 2018. Graduates have gone on to careers with leading aerospace companies including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Blue Origin, Vivace, and other manufacturers supporting NASA missions and the nation's growing commercial space industry.
The strength of that workforce pipeline was evident earlier this year during NASA's Artemis II launch. Many Nunez graduates now employed by Boeing helped assemble electrical and wiring components for the Space Launch System rocket at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in nearby New Orleans. Students, faculty, alumni, and community members gathered on campus to watch the historic launch, celebrating the achievements of graduates whose work contributed to one of the nation's most significant space missions.
With a strategic focus on energy, Nunez has made significant investments in expanding both LNG and renewable energy technologies to meet the evolving needs of industry. The upcoming installation of a $1 million Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) hands-on training unit introduces cutting-edge technology into their existing Process Technology (PTEC) program. Dr. Tinney emphasized that Nunez’s commitment to the energy sector goes beyond addressing current workforce needs—it is about preparing students for the future. "By providing students with hands-on training using advanced equipment and emerging technologies, we are ensuring that our graduates are well prepared and competitively positioned to support Louisiana’s growing energy sector and the diverse workforce demands of these emerging industries.”
As Louisiana continues to invest in maritime, aerospace manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, and other emerging industries, Nunez Community College is ensuring that the workforce needed to support that growth is being developed right here in St. Bernard Parish.
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About St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation (SBEDF) is the official economic development organization and public-private partnership of St. Bernard Parish formed to create and retain jobs, build prosperity, and improve quality of life. To learn more about SBEDF and how the organization works to foster business attraction, retention and expansion, neighborhood revitalization, small business assistance, and talent and workforce development in St. Bernard Parish, sbedf.org.
About Nunez Community College
Nunez Community College is committed to being a student-centered institution that provides innovative, relevant curricula integrating the arts, sciences, and humanities. Through this commitment, the College prepares students for academic achievement and workforce opportunities while serving as a vital community and industry partner dedicated to fostering student success, advancing regional economic growth, and supporting the evolving needs of industry partners through responsive education and training. Nunez Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Nunez Community College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Nunez Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org). Nunez is located at 3710 Paris Road, Chalmette, LA. For more information, visit www.nunez.edu.