Key topics:

• Small and large businesses encouraged to learn how to create or expand internships and apprenticeships offered Louisiana’s high school students, as a key part of addressing state workforce needs
• New state accountability formula takes effect in August 2025, with points being given to schools and districts for creating work-based learning experiences at businesses
• LABI and Committee of 100 hosting first ever joint event to highlight the importance of this topic for all businesses

Baton Rouge, LA – At a sold-out Apprenticeship Summit today, the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) and Committee of 100 for Economic Development (C100) joined forces to encourage businesses to expand or start hosting high school students as apprentices and interns in their businesses. In advance of the state’s new education accountability system taking effect in August this year, which places greater emphasis on career technical education and work-based learning, LABI and C100 organized this landmark event to help employers explore innovative ways businesses can invest in the next generation of talent and strengthen Louisiana’s economy. 

“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 the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry. “We are encouraging businesses, small and large, to start offering positions for high school students, or expand what they already offer.”

“Kids across Louisiana need us to offer them real-world job experiences, and our businesses need them,” said Adam Knapp, CEO of the Committee of 100 for Economic Development. “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.”

Throughout the event, business and education leaders shared their experiences and how internships helped address their workforce needs, including from John Deere, ExxonMobil, Gordon Industries, Ascension Roofing and Fabrication. Similarly, State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley and Secretary Susanna Schowen from the Louisiana Workforce Commission, as well as BESE Chair Ronnie Morris, conveyed the importance for education and government to work collaboratively with businesses.

The summit equipped business leaders with the tools, resources, and best practices to launch or enhance high school internship and apprenticeship programs. With representatives from small businesses, major corporations, educational institutions, and government agencies in attendance, the event reflects a growing commitment to workforce development in Louisiana. 

Why It Matters: Louisiana faces a critical need to prepare its workforce for the challenges and opportunities of the modern economy. The state has more open positions in the economy than it has unemployed people seeking jobs. High school internships and apprenticeships offer students hands-on experience, technical skills, and a pathway to meaningful careers while helping businesses address talent shortages.

Impact for Louisiana: Expanding high school internships and apprenticeships statewide has the potential to:

• Strengthen the talent pipeline for Louisiana’s key industries, including energy, healthcare, technology, and manufacturing.
• Build stronger partnerships between businesses and educational institutions, fostering innovation and adaptability in the workforce.
• Reduce youth unemployment and provide career pathways for underserved communities.

The insights and collaborations generated at this summit are expected to influence businesses to consider hiring and training more students. Attendees will leave with actionable plans to implement impactful programs in their organizations and communities.

What’s Next: Due to demand and interest from businesses, C100 and LABI are encouraging more businesses to learn about how to set up internships and apprenticeships to engage high school students in career options. Details on upcoming opportunities will be announced soon. For businesses interested in learning more about how to start or expand, please email jumpstart@la.gov or visit ApprenticeshipLA.com.