NEWS

Choosing a career shouldn’t be rocket science – unless a student is studying to be a rocket scientist. For everyone else, though, Workforce Wednesday may be a solution to choosing the right career path.

Louisiana Tech University’s College of Education, in a joint effort with Louisiana Delta Community College’s (LDCC)  Office of Career Services, is offering an impactful series in March for Louisiana GEARUP. The program, Workforce Wednesday, is designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.

“The goal of these sessions is to allow opportunities for students, parents, community and industry leaders to come together and talk through educational pathways and opportunities in our region,” said Julie Salter, LDCC Career and Job Development Specialist.

There is no cost to attend the event, and it is open to 100 people per employer session.

“At LOSFA/Louisiana GEAR UP, we want our students to understand how they can connect their talent to a formal education and/or credential that leads to a career in that field,” said Tireka Cobb, director of field outreach services for Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance. “A program like Workforce Wednesday is a perfect opportunity for students to make those connections.”

Staffing agencies and employers will attend these Workforce Wednesday events and talk with participants about their organizations. Representatives from various organizations will speak via Zoom.

“The speakers will discuss career pathways through their organization, the type of education required, wages and employment opportunities,” Salter said. “We will allow time for questions from the participants.”

Dr. Lindsey Vincent, associate dean for research, outreach and innovation at Louisiana Tech, said Workforce Wednesday emphasizes college and career planning.

“There are impactful, rewarding, high-paying jobs in our region,” Vincent said. “Through this series, the hope is to make our young people aware of such opportunities and the preparation and education required to secure the positions. Our goal is to prepare and retain the best and brightest Louisianans for success right here at home with world-class education and industry partners along I-20.”

On March 10, James Machine Works will host a session from 11-11:50 a.m. and Graphic Packaging will discuss workforce options from 2-2:50 p.m. For more details, contact Salter at 318-345-9151 or jsalter@ladelta.edu. LDCC will post the Zoom links online through the LDCC Career Services Facebook Page and website.