Preparing Students for Business Careers in Northern Louisiana

Northern Louisiana is a great place for students to pursue a career in business. Delgado Community College, Northshore Technical Community College, and Núñez offer an apprenticeship training program in mechatronics, which is a two-year program that prepares students for advanced manufacturing technology jobs in Louisiana. Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) in Bossier City is dedicated to providing accessible and worthwhile programs to those interested in starting a new career, and its close connection to local businesses helps to boost the local economy with well-educated graduates. At LSUA, students can earn an associate's degree in arts, science, or general studies.

BPCC also offers vocational programs as well as internships in industrial maintenance and electrical technology, which lead to obtaining Louisiana certifications. Northwest Louisiana Technical College serves students primarily in Minden, but also teaches in Mansfield and Shreveport. Louisiana State University in Eunice is headquartered in Baton Rouge but has campuses across the state. At LDCC, students interested in earning an associate's degree can choose from five different schools, while vocational students can choose between industrial technology, nursing and other health-related fields, natural sciences and mathematics, or business and technology. The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) has approved recommendations from Louisiana business and industrial professionals, elementary and secondary education teachers, and higher education leaders to improve Jump Start 2.0 Pathways.

This is done to ensure that students enter the workforce prepared for high-quality employment. Louisiana has been ranked as one of the best states for its Landmark program over the past decade. It also ranks high in manufacturing production, food processing, and cybersecurity. Last year, the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) announced plans to further increase the impact of vocational training in high school through Fast Forward, which would allow students to earn an associate's degree or complete a period of learning before graduating. Vocational schools in Louisiana offer accredited programs, in-demand programs, and scholarship opportunities. South Louisiana Community College located in Lafayette offers more than 50 programs and graduates more than 10,000 students each year.