Workforce development and innovation in manufacturing are making significant strides in North Louisiana, thanks to strategic partnerships between educational institutions and local companies. The North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP) has reported notable achievements in its efforts to build a skilled workforce, including increased enrollment and company participation in the Northwest Louisiana Chapter of the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (NWLA FAME).
In 2024, NWLA FAME saw a 28% rise in student applications and a 30% increase in participating companies, underscoring the growing demand for skilled industrial maintenance technicians in the region. This year marks the program’s third cohort since its inception.
After consulting with regional industrial employers, NLEP identified a critical need for skilled technicians to operate and maintain increasingly sophisticated machinery. The NWLA FAME program addresses this demand by offering a two-year work-study opportunity that combines classroom instruction at Bossier Parish Community College with hands-on training at sponsoring companies. Graduates leave with an associate degree in industrial engineering and often secure full-time positions with their sponsor companies.
October’s North Louisiana Manufacturing Month brought manufacturing awareness to pre-pandemic levels. The event featured:
– 68 tours hosted by 24 manufacturers and six industrial training programs.
– Participation from 10 school districts.
– Over 1,500 students engaged in learning about manufacturing careers.
“Promoting manufacturing careers is essential to building a talent pipeline that supports economic growth,” said NLEP COO Angie White. “By solving talent shortages, our region gains a competitive edge, attracting more high-quality jobs and boosting economic development.”
A standout participant in both NWLA FAME and Manufacturing Month is BENTELER Steel/Tube, which is nearing the completion of a facility expansion at the Port of Caddo-Bossier. Beyond offering internships and participating in FAME, BENTELER collaborates with Louisiana State University in Shreveport (LSUS) to provide computer science students with hands-on experience.
LSUS interns have contributed to projects that enhance operational efficiency and safety at BENTELER’s new threading facility, including the development of a human-machine interface and other digital applications.
“We operate a cutting-edge facility that demands continuous innovation,” said Dustin Niemoeller, Plant Manager at BENTELER Steel/Tube. “Our partnerships with local educational institutions and investments in technology ensure that we develop a workforce prepared for the challenges of modern manufacturing.”