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Family and friends, industry partners, and elected officials gathered at Baton Rouge Community College's (BRCC) Acadian Site to celebrate 35 students who completed Phase II of the North Baton Rouge Industrial Training Initiative (NBRITI). Students received certificates in electrical and pipefitting from the National Center for Construction Education Research (NCCER) Core, Level I and II. train

"These graduates now have the education and skills needed to build a sustainable career. Whether in pipefitting or electrical - these areas of expertise are among the most in demand in the industrial sector today," said ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Refinery Manager, Mark Northcutt. 

Delacy Lucas, 28, is excited about her certification, and is looking forward to starting her career as pipefitter. 

"Many people think that pipefitting is a man's job, but women can do it too, and I'm proof of that," said Lucas, who was the only female to graduate in pipefitting.   

"There is a lot to love about this industry, and it's much more than just doing construction work. It's challenging and can be demanding at times, but it is also something you can take a lot of pride in doing."

The NBRITI program, developed and funded by BRCC, began in October of 2012 with a goal of engaging area residents in a fast-tracked classroom setting and hands-on training experience. The Initiative is currently working through its contractor partners to place all of the graduates in full-time positions with their firms.  

NBRITI Sponsoring Partners include: Baton Rouge Community College, ExxonMobil, Herb and Maxine Jacobs Foundation, Formosa Plastics, ISC, Turner Industries, Performance Contractors, Jacobs Engineering, Pala Group, Triad, Brock Group, Georgia Pacific, Stupp Corporation, GBRIA, Associated Builders and Contractors, Employ BR, Greater Baton Rouge Literacy Coalition, and SSA Consultants.