Nunez Welding Summer Internship Partners with St. Bernard Parish Government

  • Posted July 15, 2025
Welding Students

Nunez Welding Summer Internship students show off bike racks and benches they fabricated for St. Bernard Parish parks and trails. Each summer the Welding Summer Internship completes a public service project.

The welding bay at Nunez Community College has been busy this summer.

Nunez Welding Program Chair Jesús Melendez has been leading the college’s annual Welding Summer Internship. Students practice fabricating and welding from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

“We operate just like any other welding shop in the field,” said Melendez.

Each year the crew takes on a service project. In the past they’ve constructed artificial oyster reefs—trapezoidal cages made of rebar—to be submerged in wetlands to promote both oyster growth and to break up storm surge and protect the coast. This year they’ve partnered with St. Bernard Parish Government to construct bike racks, benches and bleachers for parish trails and parks.

Nunez also partnered with the Office of Juvenile Justice this year to welcome students from Bridge City Center for Youth to the internship for the first time. The students’ work earns them experience to put on their resumes and the opportunity to give back to the community with sweat and hard work.

Visit Nunez.edu today and apply to join the Welding program, or any of the college’s 20-plus career and academic programs, this fall. Classes begin Aug. 19.

About Nunez Community College
Nunez Community College is a student-centered institution that delivers relevant and innovative curricula integrating the arts, sciences, and humanities leading to academic credentials and workforce opportunities. Nunez serves a vital role in the community by engaging with partners to support student success and personal growth. Nunez Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Nunez Community College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Nunez Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA  30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org). Nunez is located at 3710 Paris Road, Chalmette, LA. For more information, visit www.nunez.edu.