MONROE, LA — Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC) celebrated an important milestone with the graduation of the first Construction Craft Laborer class at the Advanced Technology Center. The graduation ceremony was held at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 11, and recognized nine students who successfully completed the workforce training program. The inaugural class achieved a 100 percent retention rate and a 100 percent job placement rate.
The program was made possible through the support of DPR Construction and Turner Construction; two companies actively involved in the construction of the Richland Parish Data Center. Both companies partnered with the college to prepare local residents for careers in the construction industry.
All nine graduates received job offers from DPR Construction or Turner Construction at the conclusion of the ceremony. Each graduate will begin work supporting construction at META’s Richland Parish Data Center, one of the largest economic development projects in the state.
During the ceremony, graduate Tiarra Booker served as the student speaker. She shared that the program provided far more knowledge and preparation than she initially expected and expressed confidence that the skills she learned will help her succeed in the construction field.
Students in the Construction Craft Laborer program received hands-on training in basic construction techniques and workplace safety procedures. In addition to classroom instruction and practical training, each student earned their forklift certification.
LDCC Assistant Vice Chancellor of Workforce, Adult Education, and Sponsored Programs Kelsey Vallee noted that the program represents the college’s ongoing commitment to workforce development and preparing residents of Northeast Louisiana for high-demand careers connected to major economic projects in the region. “This program demonstrates what can happen when industry and education work together,” said Vallee. “Our goal is to provide opportunities for local residents to gain valuable skills that lead directly to employment. Seeing every graduate walk away with a job offer is exactly the outcome we hoped for.”
LDCC plans to continue offering construction and workforce training programs that support regional employers and provide students with pathways to stable careers. To see a list of short-term classes, go to www.ladelta.edu/workforce.