Workforce Development

Our Mission

The Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance (GBRIA) is committed to ensuring Louisiana’s industrial sector has access to a qualified, competitive, and sustainable skilled workforce.

Through partnerships with contractors, educators, training providers, and local industries, GBRIA drives initiatives that train, certify, and celebrate the men and women who build and maintain our region’s industrial backbone.

GBRIA’s Workforce Development Committee are driven by leaders across our member companies. The committee is led by:

• Steve Welch, OxyChem Convent

• Theo Webre, Dow

• Rafael Gonzalez, Honeywell

Workforce Development Committee

The Workforce Development Committee is the central group that drives GBRIA’s workforce initiatives. It sets the overall strategy, aligns partners, and oversees programs that connect Louisiana’s students, educators, and employers.

The committee guides and supports several key initiatives:

• Journey to Industry — A hands-on event for 10th graders that brings industrial careers to life through interactive exhibits, real tools, and direct connections with training providers.

• Educator Externship Program — A three-day paid experience that places teachers inside industrial facilities so they can bring real-world insights back to their students.

• Career Roadmap — A clear guide that helps students, parents, and counselors understand pathways from school to industry certifications and careers.

By aligning these efforts, the Workforce Development Committee connects awareness, education, and employment. 

Connecting Education and Industry

The Workforce Development Committee collaborates closely with:

• High Schools and Career Academies

• Community and Technical Colleges

• Trade Schools, such as ABC

• Local, State, and National Partners

Together, these organizations identify workforce needs, align training programs, and promote awareness of careers in the skilled crafts.

Workforce Development Awards​

Since 2007, the GBRIA Workforce Development Awards has recognized excellence and innovation in building Louisiana’s craft workforce.
Eligible participants include:

• Industrial contractors that work at GBRIA member sites

• High Schools

• Post-Secondary Institutions

• Workforce Innovators and Educators

• GBRIA and NORIA Member Companies

The program highlights best practices, celebrates excellence, and encourages collaboration to strengthen the regional workforce.

👉 [Learn More About the Workforce Development Awards]

Craft Skills Assessment and Training

GBRIA supports the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) training and assessment programs that are delivered through ABC.

GBRIA and ABC meets regularly to: 

• Review current training programs

• Align offerings with member company needs

• Provide feedback from owner companies to education providers

This partnership ensures that training programs remain relevant and responsive to the needs of Louisiana’s industrial employers.

GBRIA Definition of Certified Craft Person

GBRIA and ABC’s Pelican Chapter jointly developed a Certified Craft Person Definition for the Greater Baton Rouge area.

All owners and contractors are encouraged to adopt this standard to promote consistency, safety, and professionalism across the industrial workforce.

Contact Us

Have questions or want to get involved?
📧 brandon@gbria.org
📞 (225) 769-0596 x 17