Cheniere, Bechtel work with LIT, SOWELA to train welders

Cheniere Energy is partnering with Bechtel, Lamar Institute of Technology and SOWELA Technical Community College to implement their new Craft Development Program.

There will be an Acceptance Reception at 6:00 p.m. today at the Beeson Auditorium at LIT. Following the presentation, candidates will have an opportunity to tour the welding instructional facilities and meet faculty and administrators at LIT and SOWELA.

Cheniere is currently developing the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility in North America in more than 40 years at the Sabine Pass LNG terminal located in Cameron Parish, La.

Bechtel is the engineering, procurement and construction contractor responsible for building the facility.

The Sabine Pass liquefaction project represents an investment of ~$20 billion and an 8-year construction timeline from 2012-2019.

Specialized craft, such as welding, are in high demand when building these types of facilities.

In response, Cheniere teamed with Bechtel to develop the Craft Development Program to address construction skills needs.

The program’s goal is to help forge the next generation of qualified craft by identifying and training local youth with a desire to embark on a rewarding career in construction.

Students participating in the Craft Development Program:Welding Technology undergo a thorough selection process prior to acceptance that includes a hands-on welding test, panel interview and written application. Once accepted into the program, candidates are sponsored during their first year of instruction at a partner college while they work to attain a one-year Certificate of Technical Studies in welding technology. Following the completion of their certificate, candidates are given an opportunity to take Bechtel’s structural welding test.

Successful candidates will proceed into the second phase of the program which includes up to 20 weeks of paid training on advanced welding skills. Candidates who successfully complete the second phase may be offered employment by Bechtel on a Cheniere project under construction.

The program’s first participants will begin training this fall.