Providing access to quality green jobs through specialised trades training

Abstract

Vernon Parish, Louisiana, United States—

• The “Capturing Better Futures” initiative trains high school students in an underserved community of Louisiana to work in the carbon management industry.

• The programme has potential to improve inclusivity in the green workforce by providing access to quality job opportunities for vulnerable youth.

• Capturing Better Futures demonstrates the potential of public-private partnerships in addressing local socio-economic challenges and creating green career pathways for young people

What are the objectives?

Capturing Better Futures is a partnership between the Vernon Parish School Board in Louisiana, CapturePoint Solutions LLC (CPS) and the United Association of Journeyman and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada (United Association). CPS is developing several carbon capture and sequestration sites in its Central Louisiana Regional Carbon Storage Hub, including one in Vernon Parish.

As CPS develops new sites, the company is committed to community outreach that provides public information and opportunities for local participation in the economic and environmental benefits of the project. Capturing Better Futures is part of this effort. The initiative is designed to address the need for career and technical education (CTE) opportunities for underserved high school students in Vernon Parish, a region facing socio-economic challenges and out-migration due to limited employment opportunities for young people.

This initiative addresses several objectives in the region. Capturing Better Futures provides training in specialised trades related to pipeline construction and maintenance, plumbing, pipe laying and steamfitting for the carbon capture industry. By focusing on these areas, the programme aims to align training with local workforce needs and provide students with viable career pathways that are relevant to the regional economy. The initiative also prepares students for entry into the union's Registered Apprenticeship Programme, which provides access to additional education, health insurance, pension benefits and other valuable resources. In addition, by creating opportunities for students to pursue careers within the region, the initiative contributes to the economic development and sustainability of Vernon Parish and surrounding communities.

How does it work in practice?

CPS first launched an initiative with the local school system in 2022. Discussions with Vernon community leaders revealed a desire and need in the local community to develop CTE opportunities for underserved students, particularly in fields that would allow graduates to stay in the area while pursuing careers. Capturing Better Futures operates through a collaborative framework that leverages the collective resources and expertise of the Vernon Parish School Board, CPS, the United Association, and the Vernon Parish Administration:

• Vernon Parish Schools provide the infrastructure for the initiative, offering classroom and workshop facilities at the STEAM building at Leesville High School where students receive instruction and hands-on training.

• CapturePoint Solutions LLC, in collaboration with local partners, assumes responsibility for the financial aspects of the initiative. This includes financing facility renovations and procuring equipment. They also cover transportation costs for students from all 9 high schools in Vernon Parish, facilitating equitable access to the programme for all eligible students regardless of their geographical location.

• The United Association takes the lead in developing and delivering educational content and instruction. They create a curriculum that meets Federal Department of Labor standards for apprenticeship and Louisiana Department of Education standards for high school credit, as well as industry needs. Through their involvement, students receive a comprehensive education that meets the needs of the carbon capturing industry.

• The Vernon Parish School District offers additional instructional support, working alongside the United Association to ensure that students receive the guidance and mentorship to complete the programme.

The programme consists of one year of part-time training during high school and a summer programme, which combined are equivalent to a one-year apprenticeship. Upon successful completion, students can enter the union’s Registered Apprenticeship Program as second-year apprentices, receiving credit for their prior training. This apprenticeship provides a pathway to an industry-valued credential, on-the-job training with a wage, health insurance, retirement and other benefits.

What has been the impact?

In its first year, in 2023, the programme enrolled 30 students between the ages of 16 and 18. Financially, the initiative secured funding of more than USD 310 000 from the United Association local affialitate and CPS, as well as additional donors. These funds enabled the renovation of facilities, teacher salaries, transportation costs, and the purchase of supplies and equipment. The partners have expressed their intention to expand the programme to accommodate more students. The initiative is also considering working with the Louisiana Armed Forces Alliance to integrate the programme with transition pathways for military personnel transitioning to civilian employment.

What can other communities learn from this example?

• The initiative helps meet the demand for workers in the carbon capture sector, while also benefiting the community by providing students with accessible training to secure jobs in the region.

• Students who successfully complete the high school programme will have the opportunity to join the Registered Apprenticeship Program directly as second-year students, gaining access to quality employment opportunities with on-the-job training with a wage, health insurance and other benefits.

• The initiative highlights the importance of collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including industry partners, educational institutions, and local government, to effectively address regional workforce needs and promote local economic development.

Further information

• Our Commitment to Our Communities | CapturePoint (capturepointllc.com)

OECD resources

OECD (2023), Job Creation and Local Economic Development 2023: Bridging the Great Green Divide, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/21db61c1-en.

OECD (2023), Regions in Industrial Transition 2023: New Approaches to Persistent Problems, OECD Regional Development Studies, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/5604c2ab-en.

OECD (2023), Assessing and Anticipating Skills for the Green Transition: Unlocking Talent for a Sustainable Future, Getting Skills Right, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/28fa0bb5-en.