Delgado Partners with JEDCO and Jefferson Parish Schools to Promote Manufacturing Training, Careers during Annual Manufacturing Week

October 17, 2024

As part of National Manufacturing Week, Delgado Community College partnered with the Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) and Jefferson Parish Schools (JP Schools) to connect students to training and high-paying, high-impact career opportunities in manufacturing. Delgado's River City Site and Advanced Manufacturing Center in Avondale served as the kickoff location for a week of hands-on learning and networking experiences. Local participating companies included Carpenter and Patterson, Gulf Wind Technology, Alfred Conhagen, and Laitram.

Manufacturing Week, held from October 4-11, 2024, highlighted the critical role of local manufacturers and provided students with real-world exposure to career opportunities in advanced manufacturing. Delgado Community College plays a key role in preparing students for these high-demand jobs by offering workforce training and dual enrollment programs that help fulfill industry needs.

At the October 4 kickoff event at Delgado, educational and industry leaders—including Dr. Arlanda Williams, Delgado’s vice chancellor for workforce development—emphasized the importance of collaboration between schools and local businesses to create a skilled workforce. Delgado’s programs, such as dual enrollment, give high school students the chance to earn college credits and gain technical skills, setting them up for success in industries like manufacturing.

Throughout the week, 60 eleventh-grade students from Jefferson Parish schools toured local manufacturing facilities, learning about career pathways and connecting with professionals. These experiences are part of Delgado's broader mission to support workforce development, offering training programs that lead to associate degrees, technical certificates, and apprenticeships.

With manufacturers facing talent shortages nationwide, Delgado’s initiatives are helping fill the gap by preparing a pipeline of skilled workers ready to thrive in the manufacturing sector. By offering workforce training and dual enrollment opportunities, Delgado continues to be a vital partner in shaping the future of Jefferson Parish’s economy.