St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation Tours NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility

September 24, 2019 (Chalmette, Louisiana): St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation’s (SBEDF) Board of Directors recently toured NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility following their September board meeting.  The meeting began on the Nunez Community College campus with a presentation by Chancellor Tina Tinney before boarding a bus and traveling under seven miles to the sprawling facility in New Orleans East.  Tinney spoke about the importance of equipping the local workforce with the training necessary to close skill gaps and prepare the public for the jobs of tomorrow.  
 
“Our  mission  is to provide relevant and innovative training and education in an effort to prepare our students not only for jobs of tomorrow, but also for  jobs that don’t yet exist,"  Tinney said. "The Nunez Aerospace Manufacturing Technology Program is just one example of a new pathway for students in a  high-wage, high-demand field."  
 
The Aerospace Manufacturing Technology program  at Nunez Community College provides classroom and hands on training that allows students to develop the knowledge and credentials required of an entry level Aerospace Manufacturing Technician position.  The curriculum was developed to support the employment needs of Boeing who is currently manufacturing the largest rocket ever, as part of NASA’s Orion Project.  The Aerospace Manufacturing Technology program is the only aerospace manufacturing program in the state of Louisiana, and what SBEDF Executive Director, Andrew Jacques believes to be a prime example of why St. Bernard Parish an ideal location for business expansion.  
 
“When companies are looking to relocate or expand, a major consideration is whether or not they will be able to find the high-quality workforce required to be successful,” explains Jacques.  “Having a partner in Nunez Community College that has a proven track record of developing workforce for economic development projects dramatically helps our competitiveness.”
 
The tour at Michoud included a look at NASA’s world-class facility and the building of the largest components of the Space Launch System (SLS.)  SBEDF board members were treated to a peek at the recently completed SLS rocket engine section, the lowest portion of the massive core stage for NASA’s rocket.  Sean Warner, SBEDF Chairman described the experience as awe-inspiring and a testament to the ingenuity of our workforce.
 
“Most residents in St. Bernard Parish have no idea that the technology that will bring humans back to the moon and beyond is being developed in our own backyard,” explained Warner.  “It was exhilarating to not only see such a monumental project being manufactured right here in Southeast Louisiana, but also knowing that our parish’s residents and graduates of Nunez Community College will have a hand in its success.”
 
Occupational Outlook lists median income for Aerospace Manufacturing Technicians as $65,730.  Nunez Community College welcomes individuals interested in the program to visit their website at www.nunez.edu/academics/aerospace-manufacturing-technology for more information.  The program can be completed in as little as one year.

About St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation
St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation (SBEDF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2005 to retain and create jobs, build prosperity, and improve the quality of life in St. Bernard Parish. The Board of Directors consists of 29 voting members and 8 non-voting honorary members and public officials, all of which serve as volunteers to the organization. SBEDF's work is made possible through the general support of St. Bernard Parish Government and its donors the Arlene and Joseph Meraux Charitable Foundation, Port of New Orleans, and Valero at the Lead Investors Level;  Ochsner Health System and St. Bernard Port, Harbor, and Terminal District at the Impact Champion Level; the Law Offices of Sidney Torres, III, Associated Terminals, Chalmette Refining, and Gulf Coast Bank and Trust at the Pillars Level; and Palmisano Group, Boasso Global, Park Investments LLC, Adams and Reese LLP, Cox Communications, Hancock Whitney, and Capital One at the Community Leaders Level.  For more information, visit www.sbedf.org.
                
 
About Nunez Community College
Nunez Community College is a student-centered institution that delivers relevant and innovative curriculum integrating the arts, sciences, and humanities leading to academic credentials and workforce opportunities. Nunez serves a vital role in the community by engaging with partners to support student success and personal growth. Nunez Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas. Nunez is located at 3710 Paris Road, Chalmette, LA. For more information, visit www.nunez.edu.

Media Contact: Danielle F Martin, SBEDF Director of Communications & Strategic Initiatives
(504) 453-4243
dmartin@sbedf.org