The Urban League of Louisiana and Skill Up Louisiana’s multi-industry apprenticeship programs offers a comprehensive and dynamic apprenticeship program that spans multiple industries. Our apprenticeships are designed to provide individuals with the practical skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience needed to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving job market. Whether you are a recent high school graduate, a career changer, or someone looking to enhance your existing skills, our apprenticeship programs are the perfect opportunity to launch a successful career in a variety of industries.

At Urban League of Louisiana, we believe in the transformative power of apprenticeships. By joining our program, you’ll embark on a fulfilling journey that combines education, practical experience, and mentorship to propel your career forward. Don’t miss this opportunity to SkillUp and gain the confidence you need to excel in your career.

Clean Energy Lineworker Apprenticeship Program

The Urban League of Louisiana’s Certified Lineworker Apprenticeship Program offers a clear pathway to a career in the energy sector, blending professional development with specialized technical training. Apprentices begin by completing Urban League’s four- week professional development training, which emphasizes soft skills critical to professional growth and effective workplace habits. These skills include communication, teamwork, leadership, critical thinking, and safety protocols, etc.

Following this preparatory phase, apprentices continue their education at a partnering community college in their area, beginning with the attainment of their Class A Commercial Drivers Licenses then hands-on technical training in areas such as electrical fundamentals, power line construction, and maintenance. This combination of classroom learning, and practical application ensures that apprentices not only learn the theory but also apply their skills in real-world settings.

Upon completion, apprentices will have obtained a CDL (Class A License) and a Certified Lineworker Course Certificate, possessing both the essential soft skills and technical expertise required to thrive in the high-demand field of line work. They will be fully prepared to meet industry challenges and progress in their energy sector careers.

Program Details, Benefits & Requirements

Enrollment for cohort 3 is now open.

• 6 to 10 -month program
• 4 weeks (1 month) of Professional Development with weekly stipends
• 26 to 40 weeks of technical instruction

Benefits

•  Paid Training – Earn while you learn
• Job Readiness
•  Industry Recognized Credential
• On-the-job Learning

Service Areas

Eligibility requirements

• At least 18 years of age and reside in New Orleans (Metro), LaPlace, Mandeville, Covington, Slidell, Baton Rouge, Port Allen, Shreveport, and Houma
• Unemployed or Underemployed
• Have a H.S. Credential 
• Willing and able to perform 8 hours physical work
• Must pass a drug screening prior to program entrance and submit to random drug screenings
  
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record
  
• Must not have been convicted of any sexual offense, except for prostitution
• Pass a DOT physical after accepted into skills training
• Not afraid of working at a high elevation

Construction Laborer Pre-Apprenticeship Program

The Urban League of Louisiana’s Construction Laborer Pre-Apprenticeship Program offers a clear pathway to a career in the construction industry. The short-term training program aims to prepare individuals for entry-level positions in construction while providing them with foundational knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a registered apprenticeship program. Pre-Apprentices begin by completing Urban League’s four- week professional development training, which emphasizes soft skills critical to professional growth and effective workplace habits. These skills include communication, teamwork, leadership, critical thinking, and safety protocols, etc.

Following this preparatory phase, pre-apprentices will learn about a range of topics related to construction work, safety practices, tools and equipment usage, blueprint reading, basic construction methods, communication skills, basic math skills, and the importance of teamwork when in a construction environment. Additionally, pre-apprentices will receive hands-on training opportunities to practice using common construction tools and equipment.

Upon completion, pre-apprentices will have obtained industry recognized credentials and be fully prepared to begin a career in construction.   

Program Details, Benefits & Requirements

Enrollment for cohort 1 is now open – Class begins April 22, 2024

• 9-week Program
• 4 weeks (1 month) of Professional Development with weekly stipends
• 5 weeks of technical instruction

What Will You Learn

• Pipeline in Construction Training
• Fire Watch
• Confined Space Training
• Fall Protection Training
• General Construction 1 (intro to materials, tools, and math in construction and concrete)
• OSHA 10 Construction Safety and Health
• First Aid/CPR/AED Training
• Equipment Spotter Training

Benefits

•  Paid Training – Earn while you learn
• Job Readiness
•  Industry Recognized Credential
• On-the-job Learning

Eligibility requirements

• At least 18 years of age and reside in New Orleans (Metro)
• Unemployed or Underemployed
• Have a H.S. Credential
• Willing and able to perform 8 hours of physical work
• Must pass a drug screening prior to program entrance and submit to a random drug screenings
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record
• Must not have been convicted of any sexual offense, except for prostitution

Automobile Technician Apprenticeship Program

Urban League of Louisiana’s Office of Workforce Development is partnering with National Automotive Dealers Association (NADA) and the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association (LADA) to place aspiring technicians into apprenticeship roles in local Louisiana dealerships. This 18-month pilot pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship program is the first step in what we hope will one day be a national program to recruit, train and place trained technicians in dealerships across the country.

After completing Urban League’s four-week professional development training, aspiring technicians begin technical instruction at Delgado Community College or Baton Rouge Community College. During technical instruction, apprentices are paired with a participating dealership for job shadowing and on-the-job training.

Apprentices will earn a progressively increasing wage throughout their entire training experience. Upon successful program completion, the apprentice will have earned a Level 1 Automotive Service Technician credential and hold the title of Journeyworker. 

Program Details, Benefits & Requirements

• Started on February 20, 2023.  Enrollment is now closed, stay tuned for future opportunities.
• 18-month program
• 4 weeks (1 month) of Professional Development with weekly stipends
• 8 weeks (2 months) of technical instruction and job shadowing with weekly stipends
• 60 weeks (15 Months) of paid on-the-job learning. 

Details and Benefits

•  Paid Training – Earn while you learn
• Job Readiness
•  Industry Recognized Credential
• On-the-job Learning

Eligibility Requirements

•  At least 18 years of age
• Unemployed or Underemployed
•  Have a H.S. Credential or score a 10th Grade Level or above in Reading and Math on the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) assessment
• Willing and able to commit to an 18-month-long training and employment program
  
• Must pass a drug screening
• Must not have been convicted of any sexual offense except for prostitution.

Required Documents

•  Birth Certificate
• Social Security Card
•  Proof of residence
•  Proof of income (if employed)
• Valid Louisiana identification card

Thanks to the $1.2 million appropriation secured by Congressman Troy Carter in 2022, Urban League of Louisiana is able to expand all Urban League of Louisiana apprenticeship program offerings.

These programs directly align with our SEE CHANGE Action Plan  income and wage growth plans.