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MONROE, LA – Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC) is proud to spotlight the remarkable career of Joseph Branson, a 2014 graduate of the Process Technology (PTEC) program. Branson’s journey from working retail to managing a major industrial facility serves as a testament to the transformative power of technical education and personal determination.
After spending time in the retail sector following high school, Branson decided to pursue a rewarding career path by enrolling in LDCC’s PTEC program. Reflecting on his decision, Branson noted that LDCC as a resource was pivitol. "I'm a huge proponent of using the tools I have around me, and LDCC is a great option for that," Branson stated. “I didn’t want to be in an office or a cubicle. PTEC and working in a mill sounded like something different every day, and that’s the kind of career I wanted to get into.”
Upon graduating in 2014, Branson entered the workforce as a Utility Drier at Drax, an entry-level position that required a willingness to learn. Over the next decade, he consistently demonstrated leadership and technical expertise, earning successive promotions. His hard work culminated in his appointment as Plant Manager in August of 2022, overseeing the entire facility where he once started on the floor.
When asked how he worked his way up, Branson explained, "I was always putting my neck out there and surrounding myself with knowledgeable people, learning everything that I could.” He continued, “Starting out with my degree showed hiring managers that I could work hard and finish something. LDCC played an instrumental role in getting my foot in the door and working in this industry.”
Branson’s story exemplifies how LDCC’s Process Technology program equips students with the skills, confidence, and determination needed to build lasting careers in high-demand industries. His rise from an entry-level position to Plant Manager underscores the value of technical education as a pathway to opportunity, advancement, and leadership. LDCC remains committed to empowering students like Joseph Branson—individuals who turn ambition into achievement and strengthen the workforce of Northeast Louisiana.
Process technology is a field of study focused on the operation, maintenance, and optimization of industrial processes used in manufacturing, energy production, and chemical processing. Students in a process technology program gain hands-on experience with instrumentation, safety protocols, control systems, and quality assurance, preparing them to work in complex industrial settings where efficiency and safety are paramount. Graduates can find rewarding career opportunities with leading employers in the region and beyond, including Advancion Corporation, Entergy, Eastman Chemical Company, Ergon, Gardner Denver Thomas, Golding Barge Lines, Graphic Packaging International, HYDRO Extrusions, and Drax Biomass, where they contribute to the reliable production of essential chemical, energy, and manufacturing products. For more information about the Process Technology program or other career-technical offerings at Louisiana Delta Community College, please visit www.ladelta.edu.