Since launching the Partnership, construction companies have worked together to understand construction career pathways, particularly for high school students. Starting in Jefferson Parish and New Orleans Public Schools, companies have jointly supported multiple career awareness and exploration experiences, engaging thousands of students.
Throughout this process, companies have expressed interest in finding ways to strengthen connections between our region’s talent, training providers, and construction companies. The Pilot Interview Day demonstrated the power of collaboration and what is possible when industry and community partners work together toward a shared vision: ensuring employers can access the talent they need, while ensuring individuals completing construction training have clear pathways into careers.
A key collaboration from the pilot was ensuring candidates have the support needed to successfully transition into employment. VIA LINK, a local nonprofit and our region’s 2-1-1 operator, was onsite throughout the event, meeting directly with candidates. VIA LINK’s objective was to identify candidates’ barriers to employment and connect individuals to resources and services throughout the region. The most significant barrier identified was transportation, and the Foundation is working alongside VIA LINK and partners to help alleviate transportation challenges for individuals who were hired or are moving forward in the hiring process.
As the sector partnerships continue to grow, the Foundation is deeply grateful to the employers, training providers, workforce partners, and community organizations helping build a more connected workforce ecosystem — one that creates real opportunity for workers in some of the most competitive industries in our region.