News Summary
Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) is set to launch a new job training initiative, EMPWR LA, on June 16. This six-week program promises one-on-one job interviews for students post-completion, aiming to meet the increasing demand for skilled workers. Designed in collaboration with local businesses, EMPWR LA focuses on essential skills tailored to enhance employment opportunities, with financial assistance available to participants. The program emphasizes job readiness to successfully prepare students for high-demand careers, supporting the local economy.
Bossier City, Louisiana – Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) has announced the launch of a new job training program named EMPWR LA, set to begin on June 16. This innovative six-week program guarantees students one-on-one interviews for full-time positions upon completion, aiming to address the growing need for skilled workers in the local economy.
EMPWR LA is a collaborative effort involving six local businesses, including Andritz, Bienville Lumber Company, LLC, EI Williams, Frymaster, Johns Mansville, and Red Ball Oxygen. As the program progresses, additional partnerships are anticipated, with the number of collaborating businesses expected to grow to between 11 and 15 by the end of the initial training session. Over the course of three to five months, this number could potentially reach as high as 20 to 25 businesses, significantly enhancing employment opportunities for participants.
According to Dean Baugh from the North Louisiana Economic Partnership, the intent behind EMPWR LA is to equip students with skills that cater to a wide range of job opportunities in the region. Joseph Brownlee, the dean of BPCC’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics division, highlighted the program’s emphasis on job readiness and its objective to eliminate barriers that may hinder student success in the workforce.
Program Structure and Requirements
The structure of EMPWR LA is designed to simulate a standard 40-hour work week. Classes will be held Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Students will be required to clock in, place their personal phones in designated lockers, and don personal protective equipment (PPE) during training. This environment is intended to prepare participants for the realities of the workplace.
The curriculum follows an employer-driven framework, focusing on critical areas such as assembly, equipment monitoring, and product quality assurance. Additionally, the program addresses essential soft skills, including punctuality and effective communication, which are vital for professional success.
Financial Considerations
The total cost for participants to enroll in EMPWR LA is set at $2,495. However, financial assistance options are available, including grants and scholarships from local businesses, making the program accessible to a broader range of students. To qualify for enrollment, candidates must be at least 18 years old and pass a drug test. A high school diploma or GED is not mandatory, although some grant sources might require it.
Aiming for Career Readiness
EMPWR LA represents a significant step toward helping students secure high-wage, high-demand careers in their respective fields after graduation. The program is structured so that participants will emerge job-ready, equipped with the skills and experience needed to excel in the workforce, thereby contributing to the local economy’s growth and stability.
As industries continue to evolve, initiatives like EMPWR LA will play a crucial role in bridging the skills gap and meeting the demands of employers. This program illustrates BPCC’s commitment to fostering workforce development, ensuring that students are not only prepared for the demands of modern jobs but are also positioned for success in their professional journeys.
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Job Interview Guaranteed After This BPCC Program
- Transport Topics: Colleges Launch CDL Training
- Shreveport Times: BPCC Launches Program to Prepare Job-Ready Workers
- KTAL News: Helping You Enroll with BPCC
- Wikipedia: Bossier City, Louisiana
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The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
