As the 2025–2026 school year got underway in West Baton Rouge Parish, the West Baton Rouge Career Academy welcomed a surge of eager students ready to explore hands-on trades. This growing interest reflects a statewide trend, as more Louisiana high schoolers seek opportunities to gain practical, career-focused skills alongside their academic studies, according to this article from The Advocate. From welding to carpentry, medical assistance to industrial electronics, the academy’s programs are designed to give students a strong foundation for future employment or advanced training.
The first day of classes at the Career Academy buzzed with excitement as students explored new class options and located their assigned rooms. The academy, which serves as a model for addressing Louisiana’s skilled workforce shortage, saw its enrollment jump to roughly 350 students—a growth of over 100 from the previous year. This growth reflects a rising interest among high school students in career and technical education, which blends classroom learning with practical training.
The academy first opened in fall 2024, positioned right next to Port Allen High School, thanks to a $1.3 million grant from the Louisiana Department of Education. This year, the program is expanding beyond its original offerings to include courses such as medical terminology and industrial electronics. Academy supervisor Candice Breauxexplained that the ultimate goal is to equip students with meaningful, real-world experiences before they graduate. She emphasized that by building a diverse set of skills—”a toolbox” they can draw from later in life—students are better prepared to enter the workforce as qualified employees.
On this first day, instruction centered on safety protocols and introducing students to the basic tools of their chosen trades. In the introductory carpentry class, students practiced measuring skills by using tape measures and following reference guides to mark wooden boards. Over the course of the year, they will progress to building projects such as toolboxes and birdhouses, gaining experience with machinery including the bandsaw and planer. Jill Edwards, the academy coordinator, noted that students arrived to find everything ready for hands-on work, and their enthusiasm was clear.
Instructors, too, expressed excitement about the new year. Rachel Crochet, a medical assistant instructor who also helped guide students to their classrooms, spoke about the competitive edge these programs give graduates. She explained that completing the academy with a practical skill in hand provides students with a valuable starting point in the job market. Whether they choose to go directly into a trade or continue their education, they leave with experience that sets them apart.
For some students, the program offers more than just job preparation—it provides inspiration for a lifelong career path. A Port Allen High School senior sees the academy as a “jumpstart” toward becoming an electrician, following in the footsteps of his uncle. Gilbert recalled admiring the tools and equipment his uncle acquired through his trade, and decided he wanted to pursue the same profession.
Career and technical education programs like those at the West Baton Rouge Career Academy are increasingly recognized as vital to closing Louisiana’s skills gap. By offering high school students access to specialized training in fields such as welding, carpentry, medical assistance, and electronics, the academy not only prepares them for immediate employment but also lays the foundation for future growth. These programs blend academic rigor with hands-on application, ensuring students graduate not just with diplomas, but with tangible skills that can open doors to stable and rewarding careers.
The enthusiasm on display during the academy’s first day signaled more than just the start of a school year—it reflected a shift toward valuing the trades as essential and respected career options. For students, the lessons they learn here will be the first steps toward turning their ambitions into reality.
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