BATON ROUGE, LA – At a sold-out Apprenticeship Summit hosted by the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) and the Committee of 100 for Economic Development (C100), leaders called on businesses to create or expand internship and apprenticeship programs for high school students. The event, held in anticipation of new state education accountability rules taking effect in August 2025, highlighted the critical role of work-based learning in preparing Louisiana’s future workforce.
Preparing for Change in Education Accountability
The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) adopted a new scoring formula last year, placing a greater emphasis on career technical education and work-based learning. Starting this August, schools and districts will earn accountability points for fostering internships and apprenticeships, aligning educational outcomes with workforce needs.
“BESE took a big step forward last June in adopting a new education scoring formula that places a greater emphasis on work-based learning, but we need businesses to do their part,” said Will Green, President and CEO of LABI. “We are encouraging businesses, small and large, to start offering positions for high school students or expand what they already offer.”
The Call to Action for Businesses
C100 CEO Adam Knapp emphasized the mutual benefits of these programs, stating, “Kids across Louisiana need us to offer them real-world job experiences, and our businesses need them. The biggest challenge is for businesses to try this out for the first time, and in doing so, they will create a new future for the state and its economy.”
Representatives from businesses such as John Deere, ExxonMobil, and Gordon Industries shared success stories of how internships and apprenticeships have addressed workforce shortages. Louisiana State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley, Louisiana Workforce Commission Secretary Susanna Schowen, and BESE Chair Ronnie Morris echoed the importance of collaboration between education, government, and industry.
Workforce Development Impact
Expanding high school internships and apprenticeships could address several challenges facing Louisiana’s workforce:
- Strengthening the talent pipeline in key industries such as energy, healthcare, technology, and manufacturing.
- Building partnerships between businesses and educational institutions to foster innovation and adaptability.
- Reducing youth unemployment while providing career pathways for underserved communities.
The state currently has more open positions than unemployed individuals, making talent development a pressing priority.
Equipping Businesses for Action
The summit provided attendees with tools, resources, and best practices to establish or enhance internship and apprenticeship programs. Leaders left with actionable plans to implement these initiatives in their organizations, aiming to foster stronger connections between businesses and educational institutions.
Next Steps for Businesses
Due to high interest, LABI and C100 are planning additional events to guide businesses in setting up impactful programs. Companies interested in participating can email [email protected] or visit ApprenticeshipLA.com for more information.
About LABI and C100
LABI, serving as Louisiana’s chamber of commerce, and C100, a business roundtable of top leaders, are committed to advancing economic development and workforce preparedness across the state. Both organizations continue to advocate for policies and programs that improve Louisiana’s competitiveness and quality of life.