March 19, Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) announced it officially dedicated its new Associate of Applied Science in Machinist and Millwright program, developed in close collaboration with industry partners and supported by TotalEnergies.
According to LSCPA, it is the first program of its kind in Southeast Texas, and the only program regionally to allow students to specialize in either machining or millwright in the second year.
The degree reportedly will offer courses preparing students to work as millwrights or machinists for local industry.
Machinists are skilled professionals who operate and maintain machine tools to create precision parts and instruments from various materials, primarily metals and plastics, while millwrights are skilled tradespeople who specialize in the installation, maintenance, and repair of industrial machinery and equipment.
LSCPA noted students will build an understanding of maintenance tools, industrial safety, basic machine shop operations, basic millwright operations, and industrial troubleshooting.
Students will learn how to repair machinery and operate lathes and other machines and tools used as both a millwright and a machinist. The program provides hands-on training in the classroom, laboratory, and through internships.
Machinists and millwrights typically work in machine shops, factories, or industrial facilities. Their work environments are often clean, well-lit, and ventilated. Some may work in specialized settings, such as research facilities or military bases.
“LSCPA has worked closely with our industry partners to provide a solution for local students to get these in-demand skills and have the opportunity to pursue productive careers in Southeast Texas industry,” officials posted on social media.
