GBRIA Educator Externship Hosts a Record Number of Teachers
This summer, GBRIA welcomed a record 108 middle and high school educators for an exciting three-day Educator Externship. Designed to provide firsthand insight into industrial careers, the program helps teachers connect classroom instruction with real-world opportunities for their students.
Educators from the Baton Rouge and New Orleans regions, including more rural parishes with limited industry exposure, participated in this immersive professional development experience thanks to a $100,000 grant from Future Use of Energy in Louisiana (FUEL). The funding allowed GBRIA to expand its reach and will also support the development of digital tools and videos for ongoing classroom use.
Participants received a $1,000 stipend and spent three days immersed in activities that brought industrial careers and operations to life -- from facility tours and hands-on experiences to interactive sessions with industry professionals. Presentations covered a wide range of topics beyond career pathways, including public affairs, community engagement, health and safety, and other key industry initiatives. The educators also received hands-on demonstrations of craft careers from ABC Contractor Members.
On Days 1 and 3, educators explored career paths in welding, instrumentation, electrical, pipefitting, millwright, and process operations, many of which offer starting salaries well above the regional average and do not require a four-year degree.
On Day 2, participants toured operating facilities to see industrial careers in action. Thank you to the following plants for generously hosting educators:
- Air Liquide Geismar ASU/Cogen
- Air Liquide Geismar Utility Services (ALGUS)
- BASF
- CF Industries Donaldsonville
- Chalmette Refining
- Dow (Baton Rouge & St. Charles)
- Entergy, J. Wayne Leonard Power Station
- ExxonMobil
- Honeywell Baton Rouge
- Marathon
- Methanex
- Orbia Fluor and Energy Materials
- OxyChem (Geismar, Convent and Taft)
- Rubicon
- Shell Catalyst and Technologies
- Westlake Geismar
We also extend our appreciation to the following education partners who hosted teachers on Days 1 and 3 of the program: ABC Pelican, Baton Rouge Community College, Nunez Community College, and River Parishes Community College.
What Educators Are Saying:
“I finally have accurate information to present to my students about career opportunities that pay well and don’t require a college degree.”
“It was amazing. I’ve already recommended it to our Ag and Chemistry teachers.”
One participant said, “This was a beautiful experience that allowed me to really see and feel what industry is—the risks, the requirements, and the training involved. It was like being a student again, getting both the book and the hands-on knowledge.”
Why It Matters
The manufacturing industry is Louisiana’s top job producer, with more than $3 billion in payroll and average salaries 136% higher than non-industry roles. Roughly 80% of industrial jobs don’t require a bachelor’s degree, making them accessible and attractive options for many students.
GBRIA’s Educator Externship aims to equip teachers with tools to guide students toward these rewarding careers—bridging the gap between the classroom and the plant gate.
For more information about the program, contact Brandon Smith.