Veolia and Delgado Community College, the largest community college in Louisiana, are launching a Workforce Development Internship Program to provide students with hands-on experience to help them obtain jobs and start careers in the wastewater treatment, sustainability and environmental sectors.
The program offers students the opportunity to work alongside Veolia’s experienced professionals at the New Orleans East Bank and West Bank wastewater treatment facilities. The internships will prepare students to build strong careers while providing environmental security to hundreds of thousands of people in the region.
鈥淒elgado Community College鈥檚 broad reach across greater New Orleans and its dynamic population of motivated students makes it a natural partner for Veolia, as we meet both the environmental and community needs of the people we serve,鈥� said Joseph Tackett, Veolia鈥檚 CEO of Municipal Water Contract Operations in North America. 鈥淭he water and wastewater industry faces a generational challenge to replenish its aging workforce at the same time it confronts unprecedented environmental changes and threats. Partnering with Delgado creates strong pathways for these students as well as for our environment.鈥�
鈥淒elgado looks forward to launching and growing this partnership with Veolia, which will place our students in a professional environment where they can learn and thrive,鈥� said Dr. Larissa Littleton-Steib, Chancellor at Delgado Community College. 鈥淭he internships will allow students to position themselves for sustainable careers upon graduation while providing critical workforce needs for the water and wastewater sectors.鈥�
Delgado Community College serves an average of 21,000 students annually, and its graduates account for 1 of every 90 jobs in the New Orleans region. Delgado鈥檚 Workforce Development, which is collaborating with Veolia on the internships, works with business and industry partners to provide a variety of traditional and non-traditional educational opportunities to students. The initial cohort will provide internships to 15 students.
鈥淭he Veolia internships will benefit students enrolled in Delgado Community College鈥檚 Water and Wastewater Technology program, which聽 equips students with the technical skills and environmental knowledge needed for careers in water treatment and sustainability,鈥� said Dr. April Noble, Assistant Chair of Physical Science Director of Chemical Technology, and leader of the Water and Wastewater Technology Program at Delgado.
Delgado鈥檚 curriculum, paired with Veolia鈥檚 hands-on training, will provide students with real-world experience that prepares them for certification and employment in the vital water and wastewater sectors. These experiences will foster a deeper understanding of water industry practices, promote problem solving skills, and help students build relationships with water sector professionals.