BATON ROUGE — High school students across seven Louisiana communities will soon have access to paid, hands-on career training in the state’s evolving energy sector following the launch of a new statewide initiative.

The pilot network, titled the FUEL Energy Internship Collaborative, was announced Tuesday by Future Use of Energy in Louisiana, the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry Foundation and YouthForce NOLA.

The program aims to place 150 high school students in career-building internships by 2030, spanning the fields of engineering, skilled trades, manufacturing, environmental sciences, technology, safety, operations, logistics and project management.

Participating school systems include Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Iberia, Jefferson, Livingston, St. Tammany and Orleans parishes.

“The Energy Internship Collaborative is designed to connect students to internship opportunities that will spark their interest in Louisiana's growing, thriving energy industry while also building the skills and experience needed to meet workforce demands,” FUEL Director of Workforce Development Lacy McManus said.

The LABI Foundation will oversee employer recruitment and engagement to connect local energy businesses with participating schools. YouthForce NOLA will manage student and district engagement, technical assistance, training and resource allocation. 

“Through EIC, students will learn about good-paying, in-demand careers in our state and get real work experience in the energy sector,” said Melissa Ehlinger, president of YouthForce NOLA.

LABI President and CEO Will Green highlighted the mutual benefits for local industry, describing the initiative as a direct way for businesses to invest in their future workforce while filling critical labor needs.

Louisiana energy employers interested in participating can apply through the program’s online intake portal at fuelouisiana.org/future-workforce-intake.