Delgado Community College

Delgado Community College – New Orleans, LA

Program Information

Delgado Community College, located in New Orleans, Louisiana, offers a range of technical and skilled trade programs designed to support workforce needs across the region. Trade-focused areas of study include Automotive Technology, Welding, Plumbing, Electrical Technology, and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC). As part of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, Delgado’s programs are structured to combine classroom instruction with hands-on lab training that reflects entry-level industry standards.

The Automotive Technology program provides instruction in the diagnosis, service, and repair of modern vehicles. Coursework typically covers engine fundamentals, brake systems, steering and suspension, electrical and electronic systems, and preventative maintenance. Students learn to use service information and diagnostic tools to identify vehicle concerns and verify repairs, emphasizing accuracy, safety, and proper documentation throughout the repair process.

Delgado’s Welding program focuses on foundational and applied welding skills used in construction, fabrication, and manufacturing environments. Instruction includes welding safety, measurement, material preparation, and fabrication fundamentals. Students receive training in multiple welding processes, such as MIG, TIG, and Stick welding, while learning how technique, joint preparation, and heat control affect weld quality and structural integrity. Blueprint reading and basic layout concepts are incorporated to help students understand how welding tasks align with project specifications.

The HVAC program prepares students to work with heating, cooling, and ventilation systems commonly used in residential and commercial buildings. Coursework introduces system components, electrical fundamentals, airflow, controls, and basic refrigeration principles. Students practice installation, service, and troubleshooting procedures while learning how HVAC systems operate as integrated systems, with emphasis on safe work practices and systematic problem-solving.

Plumbing and Electrical Technology programs introduce students to systems used in residential and commercial construction and maintenance. Plumbing coursework typically covers piping materials, system layout, drainage, water supply, and fixture installation, while electrical instruction includes wiring methods, circuit fundamentals, electrical safety, and code-related concepts. Across both programs, students develop skills related to measurement, material handling, and following technical instructions.

Hands-On Technical Training

Hands-on learning is a central component of trade education at Delgado Community College. Students spend time in lab and shop environments where they apply classroom concepts using tools, equipment, and materials similar to those found in professional settings. This applied approach reinforces technical understanding and supports skill development through supervised practice.

Learning Environment

Courses are typically organized to introduce technical concepts through instruction and demonstration before moving into guided lab application. Instructors draw on practical experience to help students connect technical theory with real-world scenarios, reinforcing safety, accuracy, and accountability throughout training.

Program Length

Program length varies depending on the trade area and credential. Many technical certificate and diploma programs are designed to be completed within one to two years. Completion time may vary based on course sequencing, enrollment status, and whether a student attends full-time or part-time.

Program Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Submission of an application for admission to Delgado Community College
• Placement testing or exemption based on prior college coursework or qualifying test scores
• Ability to meet physical and safety requirements associated with hands-on lab training
• Additional program-specific requirements may apply depending on the area of study

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