Workforce
Making Makers
Companies experience more than success here, they experience an ecosystem of interconnected businesses and people. We’re an innovative region, known for ingenuity and resourcefulness, so it’s no surprise that we’re home to some impressive “makers,” from one of the world’s largest jewelry manufacturers and suppliers (Stuller), to a leading designer and manufacturer of boats for military, law enforcement, and commercial operators (Metal Shark Boats).
Businesses thrive here because they leverage the success that comes from a talented workforce. This region is home to a growing talent-pipeline shaped by long-standing sectors like oil and gas, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. And it continues to be cultivated by demand from sectors like software and aviation.
Where Education Meets Passion
Training Excellence
Our employers enjoy access to LED Faststart, ranked one of the nation’s top workforce development programs, according to Business Facilities. Recognized for its innovation, effectiveness, flexibility and efficiency, this program creates customized workforce recruitment and training solutions to eligible companies, for free.
Partnerships across higher education institutions and businesses have brought responsive, top-notch training to the forefront, meaning major employers from a variety of industries hire from a highly-trained talent base.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
UL Lafayette is designated by the Carnegie Foundation as a Tier 1 research university (R1), and it is among the top 10 universities in the U.S. for its percentage of R&D expenditures funded by business, according to the National Science Foundation. UL Lafayette’s College of Engineering is its largest undergraduate program boasting over 2,700 undergraduate students, 177 master’s students, and 41 PhD students representing 45 states and 25 countries. The college focuses on providing “hands-on” learning experiences with a strong emphasis on internship and cooperative learning experiences. Over 200 companies regularly recruit its Engineering and Technology graduates.
Louisiana State University Eunice
Located in a rich and fertile section of Acadiana known as the “tri-parish area”, LSU Eunice is a two-year university in the LSU system offering numerous transfer degree programs, technical certificates, and associate degrees. It is nationally recognized for its allied health programs, and its developmental education program, Pathways to Success.
South Louisiana Community College (SoLAcc)
SoLAcc offers technical diplomas, workforce training, high school dual enrollment and two-year degree programs. It maintains 9 campuses across the Acadiana region, and offers 35 areas of study via traditional, evening, and web-based courses. SoLAcc is focused on job placement, and maintains strong ties to local businesses who trust in the capabilities of its graduates.
SOWELA Technical Community College
It offers programs in fields such as criminal justice, industrial instrumentation technology, office systems technology, and process technology.
Fostering Meaningful Connections
One Acadiana ConnectEd
South Louisiana recognizes that aligning talent development with employer needs is critical to long-term economic success. One Acadiana, the region’s economic development organization, is leading this effort through ConnectEd, a workforce initiative designed to foster meaningful connections between education, training, and industry. Hosting industry roundtables, linking educators with industry, and promoting career-connected learning are three approaches central to this mission.
