Powering Louisiana’s Workforce: Students Are Workforce Ready Thanks to Oil and Natural Gas Industry Leaders

In Louisiana, it’s likely you have a friend, neighbor or family member who works in the energy industry. It’s more than just a job here – it’s a way of life. These are the people who fuel the industry that has supported our communities and drives Louisiana’s economy, contributing over $77 billion each year. Across the state, energy leaders, like Shell, Chevron and ExxonMobil, are stepping up to ensure that Louisiana energy is powered by Louisiana people through workforce training initiatives. Partnerships between Louisiana’s technical and community colleges and the oil and natural gas industry have expanded access to training programs that lead directly to well-paying, high-demand jobs.

From funding lab equipment and upgrading STEM classrooms to aligning curricula with industry standards and providing hands-on training, these companies are breaking down barriers to prepare adults of all ages for success in the modern energy economy. Their investments are about more than talent networks; they’re about people and community. When students can build their futures here, they strengthen their families, their neighborhoods and the state.

Programs like the North Baton Rouge Industrial Training Initiative, a collaboration between ExxonMobil Baton Rouge and Baton Rouge Community College, opens doors for students. This free, flexible program provides a fast track to earning the certifications needed for skilled jobs in the industry. And it’s open to anyone, whether a recent high school graduate, a single parent, or someone in mid-career seeking a change. It’s a gateway to opportunity for anyone willing to put in the work.

At Nunez Technical College,  Shell has helped students gain real-world experience in an operational environment by hosting Process Technology (PTEC) students at their offshore training facility. Shell has also supported Fletcher Technical Community College by aligning their Integrated Production Technologies (IPT) program curriculum with industry standards and simulated training days with the Basic Offshore Operations Skills Training (BOOST) program. Through this program, Fletcher’s IPT students gain hands-on experience working in labs and control rooms.

ExxonMobil Baton Rouge partners with Southwest Louisiana Technical Community College (SOWELA)  on their Energy Education Projects, including on-site STEM professional development days, where educators develop innovative STEM-focused lesson plans. These workshops and specialized curriculum outlines help educators provide students with deeper knowledge and exposure to careers in the energy industry.

Shell’s “Energize Your Destiny” initiative in partnership with the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) connects young women across the community college system with mentors, networking events and training seminars. Through initiatives like this, Shell is working to build an industry where everyone can thrive.

On the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain, Chevron awarded $26,000 in grants to Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC) to fund STEM programs in partnership with St. Tammany Parish Public Schools, including a mobile lab, outdoor classrooms and a variety of math boot camps on NTCC’s Lacombe campus.

These investments don’t just serve students—they serve the state. With tens of thousands of oil and natural gas jobs expected to remain essential for decades to come, Louisiana and America need a steady pipeline of trained talent ready to step in. For many Louisiana families, the oil and natural gas industry is personal. Generations have built their livelihoods working on rigs, in plants and across supply chains that support the state’s economic engine.

In classrooms across the state, the next generation of energy professionals is being shaped by an industry committed to Louisiana’s long-term success. Through the energy industry, Louisianians can stay rooted in their communities while stepping into high-wage, high-skill careers.