The College of Engineering, in partnership with the Office of Professional and Continuing Education, launching a new Continuing Engineering Education Program for workforce development

The College of Engineering is launching a new Continuing Engineering Education Program (CEEP) for workforce development in partnership with the Office of Professional and Continuing Education. With a leading role in developing the workforce to support industry, the College is committed to advancing technical engineering education opportunities for working professionals. The program is structured to help working professionals continue their education without interrupting their full-time jobs.

“Technological innovation changes require upskilling and reskilling of the workforce. The mission of workforce development must be taken seriously. We are partnering with industry to enhance skill development. Our goal is to create new programs for lifelong learning and provide opportunities to broaden the STEM workforce at all levels,” said Dr. Ahmed Khattab, Dean of the College of Engineering.

A STEM educated workforce is important to national security to advance emerging technologies, increase competitiveness, and to reduce the dependency on foreign countries. More dynamic and innovative firms tend to experience more significant problems in hiring skilled workers. Emphasis is increasing on tasks that require abstract thought processes, decision making, teamwork, leadership, innovation skills; and on manual tasks requiring the ability to adapt and react to changing circumstances using tools and manual dexterity, but also social interaction. As a result, the skills gap could affect future economic growth, job creation and productivity.

A new take on skills development is needed to help combat the lack of skills, boost productivity, and increase job creation. “We created CEEP as part of the vision for the college to offer career pathways and certification opportunities. The College’s role will not end on the stage with diplomas, we will continue to develop workforce training to keep Louisiana employees relevant with rapidly changing technology needs,” added Dean Khattab.

CEEP will bring academia and the industrial community together to solve real-world problems, while developing a rich pipeline of engineering talent for Louisiana. It is continuing education with specialized, in-depth expertise, taught by faculty members, researchers, scientists, and top industry professionals, that increase a professional’s impact within the workforce and the world.

“Our partnership with the College of Engineering will offer tremendous opportunities for working professionals to access relevant information easily and conveniently through the Office of Professional and Continuing Education,” said Dr. Martha Bryant, Director for the University’s Office of Professional and Continuing Education. 

“Whether you are a new professional or have years of experience in your chosen field, the professional training offered through this partnership with the College of Engineering offers unique, high-quality, educational experiences not found elsewhere. Through our partnership with the College of Engineering, we will provide professional learning experiences that will reinvest in the community through robust learning opportunities. Professional learning will be designed to energize employee-employer skills management in high-need, targeted areas tied to workforce development.” continued Bryant.

CEEP will offer a variety of unique training solutions for engineers and engineering technologists. From on-site training and professional certifications to executive education and industry seminars, the program will offer a wide range of opportunities for training, continuing engineering education and professional development, custom designed for the employer. The College of Engineering will provide highly experienced trainers for these exclusive courses. All course offerings will offer continuing education units or professional development hours and, in some cases, industrial certificates, digital badges or micro credentials for students who successfully complete the testing and/or program requirements.

If you are looking for professional training for yourself or your employees, please contact Ms. Corinne Dupuy, assistant dean of engineering at Corinne.Dupuy@louisiana.edu or visit our website here to submit your request.