NTCC Highlights Welding Graduates Advancing in Defense Manufacturing Careers

LACOMBE, La. – Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC) is proud to spotlight two outstanding Welding graduates, Shane Hardee of Covington, Louisiana, and Benjamin Michel of Mandeville, Louisiana, who are now building successful careers in the defense manufacturing industry following their completion of NTCC’s program in Fall 2025.

Their journeys reflect the strength of NTCC’s Welding and Aluminum Welding training programs, as well as the impact of the H2theFuture initiative, which has enhanced curriculum alignment with industry needs and expanded workforce pathways in advanced manufacturing and energy-related sectors.

Shane Hardee, a Fall 2025 graduate of the Welding Technology Program, currently serves as a Senior Level Aluminum Welder at Textron Marine & Land Systems. In his role, he performs aluminum welds using multiple processes to construct Navy hovercraft and ships. Hardee demonstrated exceptional skill early in his career by successfully passing both his steel and aluminum welding certification exams on his first attempt—an achievement that underscores both his dedication and the rigor of NTCC’s program.

Hardee credits NTCC’s Aluminum Welding Program for providing hands-on experience with the same aluminum processes he uses daily, along with essential foundational skills such as metal fabrication, precise measurement, and proper cleaning and preparation of plate and pipe using hand and power tools.

Benjamin Michel, also a 2025 Welding graduate, is now employed as a Welder at Textron Systems. In his position, Michel performs a variety of welds while continuing to expand his technical knowledge and refine his craft. He shared that NTCC helped him develop the focus and mindset necessary for success in the workforce.

Through the enhanced, industry-driven training supported by H2theFuture, Michel gained valuable exposure to real-world expectations and learned multiple approaches and techniques to improve weld quality and performance.

Both graduates credit their instructors, Bradley Magliolo and Wendell Gautreaux, for playing a significant role in their success. Their instructors set high expectations, emphasized discipline and maximum effort, and provided hands-on mentorship that closely mirrored the demands of the welding industry. This approach helped prepare both students for the realities of the workforce and built a strong foundation for long-term career success.

When asked what advice they would offer future students, both graduates emphasized the importance of effort and mindset. Hardee encourages students to remember that every action they take contributes to their future success, no matter how small. Michel advises students to take full advantage of every learning opportunity, build strong relationships with instructors and peers, and consistently give their best effort.

“Shane and Benjamin exemplify what it means to be workforce-ready,” said Dr. Jim Carlson, Chancellor of Northshore Technical Community College. “Their success highlights the strength of our Welding programs and the impact of initiatives like H2theFuture in preparing students for high-demand, high-skill careers that support critical industries.”

Together, Hardee and Michel represent the success of NTCC’s Welding programs in producing skilled, disciplined graduates who are making immediate contributions to Louisiana’s workforce and beyond. NTCC proudly celebrates their accomplishments and looks forward to their continued success in the welding profession.