Curriculum and Training Partners
McNeese State University and GTI Energy formed a strategic partnership dedicated to advancing workforce readiness, safety, and innovation within the Liquefied Natural Gas industry. This collaboration aligns McNeese’s academic excellence and strategic goals with GTI Energy’s 85+ years of technical training expertise and industry leadership to strengthen research, training, and technology-driven learning that supports a skilled, safety-focused energy workforce.
The McNeese State University – GTI Energy partnership seeks to establish an industry-leading training and education program that equips new professionals, existing workforce members, and prospective students with the necessary skills to ensure safe, efficient, and contemporary operations within the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) industry.
This program will serve as a regional and international resource for cultivating the next generation of LNG talent. The foundation of the program is the online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in LNG Engineering, administered and offered by McNeese State University. This certificate program seamlessly integrates academic learning with specialized technical and operational knowledge essential for the LNG industry and related pipeline infrastructure.
As a global leader in energy training, applied research, and workforce development for more than 85 years, GTI Energy brings unmatched expertise, credibility, and innovative training resources to the partnership.
GTI Energy is a leading research, development, and training organization that has served the energy industry for over 85 years. It delivers practical, science-based solutions across the entire energy system, helping industry and academic partners address operational challenges and advance safer, more sustainable technologies.
GTI Energy specializes in developing modern training content using a range of instructional methods, including interactive eLearning, instructor-led and virtual instructor-led courses, three-dimensional models, virtual reality, micro-learning videos, and gamified scenarios.
GTI Energy’s training programs are built with technical experts to meet the needs of today’s workforce and prepare them for safe, effective performance in the field.
IIEC’s offices are housed in the LNG Center administration suite. The IIEC was created to organize and expand university–industry partnerships that strengthen the regional economy and workforce. As McNeese’s liaison to industry, the IIEC connects companies with expert professionals and faculty, seasoned practitioners, and industry-grade facilities to deliver measurable training outcomes, technology transfer, and collaborative problem-solving.
Key benefits of collaboration with GTI Energy:
Industry Leadership and Reputation
GTI Energy is an internationally recognized training leader in the energy sector, known for advancing workforce competency and operational safety.
Accredited Continuing Education Provider
GTI Energy’s training programs are accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), ensuring that professional learning meets global quality standards.
LNG Subject Matter Expertise
GTI Energy maintains a roster of LNG and pipeline subject matter experts who will assist in developing and delivering specialized technical training and certification programs.
Global Brand Recognition
GTI Energy’s LNG and natural gas training programs are recognized internationally as the industry standard, bringing credibility and visibility to McNeese’s LNG Center of Excellence.
Industry Collaboration and Funding Potential
Through partnerships with LNG importers, exporters, peak shavers, pipeline operators, gas distribution companies, engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firms, equipment manufacturers, federal and state agencies, and research organizations, GTI Energy can help facilitate collaboration and funding to advance the Center’s initiatives.
Advanced Training Technology Development
GTI Energy’s network of training technology partners supports the creation of cutting-edge educational tools, including:
- eLearning modules
- Micro-training videos
- 3D interactive models
- Virtual reality (VR) simulations
- 360-degree immersive facility tours
- Gamified learning systems
- Artificial intelligence-enabled learning platforms
These modern training technologies will enhance engagement, realism, and retention resulting in helping students and professionals develop practical, hands-on competencies in a safe and controlled environment.
Key benefits of collaboration with McNeese State University:
The McNeese LNG Center of Excellence
- McNeese State University serves as the host site for the LNG Center of Excellence, a cornerstone initiative designed to serve as a hub for innovation, education, research, industry collaboration and outreach in the LNG and broader natural gas sectors.
- LNG Center of Excellence is the host site of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administrations’ (PHMSA’s) National Center of Excellence for LNG Safety. Sharing the same space with PHMSA enhances McNeese’s chances of attracting research grant funding while it provides an avenue for attracting additional federal government opportunities.
- The LNG Center of Excellence functions as a central resource for:
- Applied research and technology development focused on LNG systems, pipeline operations, and safety innovation.
- Workforce development and hands-on training designed to build technical competence and industry readiness for LNG and pipeline professionals.
- Industry collaboration, knowledge exchange and technology transfer, serving as a depository for best practices, operational standards, and lessons learned across the LNG and gas distribution fields.
- Outreach working with community groups, civic organizations, K-12 education and the public to promote the benefits of natural gas usage, the safety of the LNG and other related industries.
The McNeese Institute for Industry - Education Collaboration (IIEC)
- Organizes and expands university – industry partnerships that strengthen the regional economy and workforce capabilities.
- It is McNeese’s liaison to industry in Southwest Louisiana and beyond.
- It connects companies with expert faculty, seasoned practitioners, and industry-grade facilities to deliver measurable training outcomes, technology transfer, and collaborative problem-solving.
The McNeese State University Campus
With 85 buildings, hundreds of classrooms and laboratories, amphitheaters, and other support facilities, the McNeese campus can host major events like meetings, conferences, lectures and more.