Three LSCO Grads Take Advantage of Training

August 31, 2007 – KOGT Radio

Chemical plants, refineries, pulp and paper mills, power generation facilities, water distribution sites, wastewater treatment plants, food and beverage manufacturing operations. Process technicians are employed in wide range of professions which means many career opportunities. Lamar State College-Orange offers the education and training needed for entry-level positions as process operators. The Industrial Technology Associate of Applied Science and the Process Technology Certificate of Completion are two levels of education available for those looking for a promising career. Three recent graduates of LSC-O, Matt Odom, Brent Stanley and Clint Temple, have secured positions with DuPont and may now experience the satisfaction of reaching their goals through hard work, commitment and perseverance.

Odom, a 2003 graduate of Orangefield High School received both the associate degree and certificate. A native of Orange, staying in the area and preparing himself for a good career were his goals. While attending high school Odom studied agriculture and welding and knew he wanted a career in which he could work with his hands. Now employed by DuPont, he will be able to do it all--stay in the area, work with his hands AND begin a promising career.

Brent Stanley has been working construction in the local plants for several years. He decided it was time to get the education he needed to be an operator. A 2000 graduate of Starks High School, Stanley was unsure that he would be able to attend school while working. He no longer has to concern himself with that doubt. He was awarded his associate degree in industrial technology this summer and may now mark this quest off as complete and successful.

Seven years ago, Clint Temple graduated from Little Cypress-Mauriceville, and then attended LSC-O where he earned his vocational nursing certificate in 2004. He enjoyed the healthcare field, but decided that an industrial technology and process operating education would present more opportunities for him in the future. He and his wife Rebekah, whom he met while attending nursing school, plan on having a family some day. This new career will keep him close to home and able to provide for them.

Temple did share one piece of advice for those undecided about what to do after high school. “If you can take part of a job-shadowing program it is a great way to find out more about a career that interests you. Then, get started on your education early. Don’t wait!”

Anyone interested in an education and future in industrial technology or process operating technology may find out more by contacting Program Director Eddie Burns, Jr. at 409-882-3000. Students interested in earning college credit while in still in high school should speak with their high school counselors about co-enrollment.