Two key workforce development services provided by Sowela Technical Community College have retained and raised their national rankings in an annual top 100 index.

Sowela ranks 18th in the nation for the number of engineering technology graduates and 29th in the country for the number of two-year certificates earned by students.

The rankings of the “Community College Top 100 Producers” are compiled annually by the education journal Community College Week. Sowela’s ratings were announced in the journal’s June edition.

“We are very pleased to be recognized as one of the Top 100 Producers, as it reflects the quality of instruction we provide and the relevance of the programs and courses we offer,” said Chancellor Neil Aspinwall. “It underscores the commitment of the faculty and staff in preparing our students to be job ready with marketable skills when they complete their program of study.”

The ratings represent a jump from last year’s national rankings, when Sowela was 24th in engineering technology graduates and 45th in awarding two-year certificates, according to Randy Jolly, Sowela’s executive director of institutional advancement.

It is the fourth consecutive year the process technology program ranked in the top 25 for engineering technology graduates.

“The rankings show that Southwest Louisiana Technical Community College is keenly aware of the market trends in our region and is positioned to lead in the area of workforce preparedness for a broad range of high-demand jobs,” said Rick Bateman, vice chancellor for academic affairs and student success.

“Students earning their two-year certificates are entering a marketplace that pays good salaries for the skills and training the college provides.”

Sowela’s process technology program job-placement rate has regularly exceeded 95 percent.

Sowella Chancellor Dr. Neil Aspinwall. (American Press Archives)