By Adam Daigle
The Advocate, Baton Rouge, La.
NEW ORLEANS — One Acadiana landed a $5,000 grant to pilot a workforce training program to prepare inmates for careers in construction and other skilled trades through the Lafayette -based Master’s Guild Association.
The grant will fund one class of 10-15 participants and include a 10-hour introduction course developed by MGA as a practical, low-cost and low-risk way for employers to connect with motivated people set to re-enter the workforce, One Acadiana officials announced Monday.
Participants will be introduced to foundational skills in construction — including measurement, tool use, blueprint reading and industry vocabulary — and get coached by local contractors. Graduates can be placed on job sites as soon as they are eligible to work after release.
“The Guild is committed to guiding motivated individuals towards design build careers from wherever they are in their journey,” said Kerry Duet with MGAWorks. “We’re trying something new by working with candidates re-entering the workforce, and honestly, we think there’s a ton of potential there.”
This initiative is the result of One Acadiana’s participation in cohorts with the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Foundation: Economic Mobility for Rural Workers Cohort and Equitable Credential Attainment Cohort. One Acadiana was awarded this additional EMRW grant, sponsored by Ascendium, to support an impactful partner who is opening doors to careers in construction and other skilled trades.
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