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Office of Workforce Development

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What We Do

The EBRPSS Office of Workforce Development supports the Career and Technical Education Department, the Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC), and JROTC, collectively focusing on equipping students with practical skills, industry-based credentials, and leadership abilities through internships and work-based learning. These programs ensure students are prepared for high-demand careers, higher education, and personal growth while aligning with the Capital Region’s workforce needs and providing equitable access to LDOE-aligned Career Diploma Jump Start Pathways.  The Office of Workforce Development partners with BRAC and GBRIA to establish strong connections and provide seamless support for graduation pathways. This includes helping students earn industry-based credentials and gain work-based learning experiences that align with the demands of high-wage sectors.

Career & Technical Education (CTE) Programs

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs (Workforce Development): The East Baton Rouge Parish Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs aim to equip students with essential skills, knowledge, and experiences for various careers and technical fields. These programs support three focus Career Diploma Jump Start Pathways at each high school within the district and internship experience in partnership with community businesses. 

CTE Focus: 

  • Skill Development: Hands-on training aligned with LDOE career pathways such as Agriculture, Business Management, Health Sciences, and more.
  • Career Exploration: Provides students insights into various industries, helping them make informed career decisions and improving graduation rates.
  • Industry-Relevant Education: Collaborates with local businesses to keep the curriculum updated with current industry standards.
  • Certification and Credentials: Offers industry-based credentials (IBCs) to enhance employability.
  • Work-Based Learning: Includes internships and apprenticeships for real-world experience.
  • College and Career Readiness: Prepares students for both higher education and immediate workforce entry. 
  • Economic Development: Contributes to local economic growth by training a skilled workforce.
  • Personal Growth: Focuses on building self-confidence, leadership, and a strong work ethic.

 

Work-Based Learning Partnership: We work in partnership with BRAC to align the educational needs of business and industry.  This initiative allows business and industry to steer education to the specific industry needs while training their future employees and ensuring we retain our talent. The network will bring workforce and education together to be solution-oriented.

We work in partnership with BRAC to provide work-based learning opportunities supporting TOPS U and TOPS Tech students and ensure career alignment to the LDOE Career Pathways 

  • Construction & Manufacturing
      • LDOE Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
      • LDOE Architecture & Construction
      • LDOE Manufacturing
  • Healthcare
      • LDOE Health Sciences
      • LDOE LSU STEM Pathway
  • Liberal Arts & Management
      • LDOE Business Management
      • LDOE Hospitality and Tourism
      • LDOE Human Services
      • LDOE Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security
      • LDOE Louisiana Pre-Educator Pathway
  • Technology
      • LDOE Arts AV Technology and Communication
      • LDOE Information Technology
      • LDOE LSU STEM Pathway
  • Transportation, Automotive, and Logistics
    • LDOE Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics

The East Baton Rouge Parish Career and Technical Education | CTE/CATE programs are designed to provide students with the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary for success in various careers and technical fields. The Career and Technical education departments work to support three focus Career Diploma Jump Start Pathways at each high school in the EBRPSS. 

The purpose of these programs can be broken down into several key areas:

Skill Development: CTE programs focus on equipping students with practical, job-specific skills that are in demand in the workforce. This includes hands-on training in LDOE aligned career pathways aligned to the communities workforce needs.

BRAC’s Talent Action Committee has identified five high-wage, high-demand sectors which we have aligned to the LDOE Career Diploma Jump Start Pathways

    • Construction & Manufacturing
        • LDOE Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
        • LDOE Architecture & Construction
        • LDOE Manufacturing
    • Healthcare
        • LDOE Health Sciences
        • LDOE LSU STEM Pathway
    • Liberal Arts & Management
        • LDOE Business Management
        • LDOE Hospitality and Tourism
        • LDOE Human Services
        • LDOE Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security
        • LDOE Louisiana Pre-Educator Pathway
    • Technology
        • LDOE Arts AV Technology and Communication
        • LDOE Information Technology
        • LDOE LSU STEM Pathway
    • Transportation, Automotive, and Logistics
      • LDOE Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics

Career Exploration: CTE allows students explore different career options and gain insights into various industries. By participating in CTE courses, students can make more informed decisions about their career paths and educational goals. Students who take CTE classes are more likely to graduate high school.

Industry-Relevant Education: Our office collaborates with local businesses and industry leaders to ensure that the curriculum remains relevant to current job market needs. This alignment with industry standards helps students acquire up-to-date knowledge and skills.

Certification and Credentials: We offer opportunities for students to earn industry-based credentials (IBCs). These credentials enhance a student’s employability and provide a competitive edge in the job market.

Work-Based Learning Experiences: Internships and apprenticeships provide students with hands-on experience in real-world job environments, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge, develop professional skills, and gain valuable industry insights. 

College and Career Readiness: We aim to prepare students for both higher education and immediate entry into the workforce. They often include components that help students build soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Economic Development: By training a skilled workforce, our programs contribute to local and regional economic development. A well-trained workforce supports the growth of industries and businesses within the community.

Personal Growth: Beyond technical skills, our programs often focus on personal development, including building self-confidence, leadership skills, and a strong work ethic.

The purpose of the East Baton Rouge Parish CTE department is to bridge the gap between education and employment, providing students with the tools they need to succeed in their chosen careers while also addressing the needs of the local economy.

Career & Technical Education Center

Career and Technical Education Center, CTEC (Workforce Development): CTEC serves as a regional hub for enhancing career readiness and technical skills among high school students across East Baton Rouge Parish. Key features include:

  • High-Demand Job Training: Specialized training for high-demand, high-paying jobs.
  • Rigorous, Project-Based Instruction: Practical, real-world application of skills.
  • Industry-Based Credentials: Opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications.
  • Dual Enrollment: Allows students to earn college credits while still in high school.
  • Equitable Access: Provides all students with access to high-level career pathways.
  • Partnerships and Collaboration: Programs developed with local business and industry organizations.
  • Work-Based Learning: Internships and apprenticeships for hands-on experience.  
  • Impact on School Performance Scores: Enhances School Performance Scores (SPS) of students’ home high schools.

The EBR Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) serves as a vital regional hub aimed at enhancing career readiness and technical skills among high school students in the East Baton Rouge School System.  These programs ensure that all students throughout the parish have equitable access to all LDOE Career Diploma Jump Start Pathways and TOPS University Diploma career courses regardless of which high school they attend.  CTEC has a business-led advisory board to ensure programs are aligned to community and industry needs.  

Purpose of CTEC

  • High-Demand Job Training: CTEC focuses on preparing students for high-demand, high-paying jobs by providing specialized training in various fields. This helps address local workforce needs and ensures students are equipped with skills that are sought after by employers.
  • Rigorous, Project-Based Instruction: The center offers rigorous, project-based learning that provides practical experience and real-world application of skills. This approach helps students develop a deep understanding of their chosen field and enhances their problem-solving abilities.
  • Industry-Based Credentials (IBC): CTEC provides opportunities for students to earn industry-recognized certifications and credentials. These credentials validate the students’ skills and qualifications, improving their employability and career prospects. 
  • Dual Enrollment Opportunities: Students at CTEC can earn credits that count toward an Associate Degree while still in high school. This dual enrollment pathway accelerates their educational progress and provides a head start on higher education.
  • Equitable Access: CTEC ensures that all students, regardless of their home high school, have access to high-level career pathways. This central program provides opportunities that might not be available at their individual schools, promoting equity in career education.
  • Partnerships and Collaboration: CTEC programs are developed in partnership with local business and industry organizations, including the Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC), Baton Rouge Area Foundation (BRAF), and a business advisory board. These collaborations ensure that the training is relevant and aligns with current industry standards.
  • Work-Based Learning Experiences: Internships and apprenticeships provide students with hands-on experience in real-world job environments, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge, develop professional skills, and gain valuable industry insights. 
  • Impact on School Performance Scores: Credentials earned through CTEC contribute to improving the School Performance Scores (SPS) of the students’ home high schools, reflecting positively on both the individual students and their schools.

Program Summary and Pathway Offerings

CTEC provides a variety of career pathways designed to meet regional business and industry needs. 

Available programs include:

  • Culinary Arts
  • Media Arts
  • NCCER Instrumentation
  • NCCER Electrical
  • Process Technology (Oil and Gas)
  • HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
  • Carpentry
  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
  • Medical Assistant
  • Patient Care Technician
  • Pre-Licensed Practical Nurse (Pre-LPN)
  • Computer Networking
  • Computer Programming
  • Automotive Technology

Student Experience

Students enrolled in CTEC remain registered at their home high schools but attend CTEC for half a day every other day. This arrangement allows them to benefit from specialized training while maintaining their connection to their home school.

CTEC is designed to provide comprehensive career and technical education that aligns with regional industry needs, promotes equitable access to career pathways, and enhances both student outcomes and local economic development.

JROTC

Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) Programs (Workforce Development): JROTC programs at EBRPSS high schools focus on developing leadership, citizenship, and personal responsibility through military-style training. Key aspects include:

  • Leadership Development: Emphasizes decision-making, teamwork, and communication.
  • Citizenship and Character Building: Instills civic responsibility and ethical behavior.
  • Personal Growth: Promotes self-discipline, confidence, and time management.
  • Career Exploration: Offers insights into military and other career paths.
  • Academic Enhancement: Supports improved academic performance and study habits.
  • Physical Fitness: Encourages health and wellness through regular physical training.

Program Components:

  • Curriculum: Includes leadership theory, military history, drill, and first aid.
  • Uniforms and Inspections: Fosters discipline and attention to detail.
  • Drill and Ceremony: Develops coordination and teamwork.
  • Community Service: Involves students in community projects.
  • Leadership Positions: Provides hands-on leadership experience.
  • Extracurricular Activities: Includes color guard, marksmanship, and competitive drill teams.

Benefits:

  • College and Career Preparation: Builds a foundation for future success.
  • Scholarship Opportunities: Potential eligibility for scholarships.
  • Improved Academic Performance: Can lead to better school performance.
  • Enhanced Social Skills: Develops strong interpersonal skills and teamwork.

These programs bridge the gap between education and employment, providing students with the tools needed for successful careers while addressing regional workforce needs.

EBRPSS Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) programs are educational programs offered at high schools that focus on developing leadership, citizenship, and personal responsibility through military-style training. 

Purpose of JROTC Programs

  • Leadership Development: JROTC programs emphasize leadership skills, including decision-making, teamwork, and communication. Students learn how to lead and motivate others, both in and out of uniform.
  • Citizenship and Character Building: The programs aim to instill a strong sense of civic responsibility and ethical behavior. They teach respect for others, the importance of community service, and the value of contributing positively to society.
  • Personal Growth: JROTC helps students develop self-discipline, confidence, and time management skills. These attributes are crucial for success in both academic and professional settings.
  • Career Exploration: While JROTC is affiliated with the military, it is not a recruitment program. Instead, it offers students insights into military careers and other career paths that benefit from military-style training and skills.
  • Academic Enhancement: The program supports academic achievement through its structured environment, goal-setting, and emphasis on responsibility. JROTC participants often develop better study habits and improved academic performance.
  • Physical Fitness: Regular physical training is a component of JROTC, promoting health and wellness. Students engage in exercises and activities that build physical strength and endurance.

 

Program Components and Activities

  • Curriculum: The JROTC curriculum includes subjects such as leadership theory, military history, drill and ceremony, first aid, and navigation. The curriculum is designed to be engaging and relevant to students’ lives.
  • Uniforms and Inspections: Students wear uniforms and participate in regular inspections. This fosters a sense of discipline and helps students learn the importance of appearance and attention to detail.
  • Drill and Ceremony: JROTC programs incorporate drill and ceremony training, which involves precision marching and ceremonial practices. This training develops coordination, teamwork, and a sense of pride.
  • Community Service: JROTC cadets are encouraged to participate in community service projects. These projects can range from volunteering at local events to organizing charitable drives, reinforcing the program’s focus on civic duty.
  • Leadership Positions: Students can take on leadership roles within the JROTC unit, such as squad leader or company commander. These positions provide hands-on leadership experience and responsibilities.
  • Extracurricular Activities: The EBPSS JROTC programs offer extracurricular activities like color guard, marksmanship, and competitive drill teams. These activities allow students to apply their skills in different contexts and build camaraderie.

 

Benefits of JROTC Programs

  • College and Career Preparation: JROTC helps students build a strong foundation for college and career success through leadership skills, discipline, and a sense of responsibility.
  • Scholarship Opportunities: Students in JROTC may be eligible for scholarships and other educational benefits, particularly if they choose to pursue a career in the military.
  • Improved Academic Performance: The structure and discipline of JROTC can lead to better academic performance and increased engagement in school.
  • Enhanced Social Skills: Participation in JROTC helps students develop strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in teams.

 

EBRPSS School with JROTC Programs

  • Belaire High School
  • Broadmoor High School
  • Glen Oaks High School
  • Istrouma High School
  • Liberty Magnet High School
  • McKinley High School
  • Northeast High School
  • Scotlandville High School
  • Tara High School
  • Woodlawn High School

EBPSS JROTC programs provide students with valuable life skills, a sense of purpose, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. They are designed to prepare students for success both in their future careers and as responsible, engaged citizens.