Skilled Trades

For those who build with their hands – in healthcare, industry, and everything in between – the Capital Region’s calling.

Skills that keep BTR moving.

‍

Forget what you’ve heard – trade school isn’t a backup plan, it’s a launchpad. In Louisiana’s Capital Region, skilled trades don’t just fill jobs – they keep us moving forward. Whether in bustling industrial plants or the heart of our healthcare systems, skilled tradespeople power our growth, health, and resilience. Here, your hands-on skills matter, when you’re running electrical in a new wing of the hospital, troubleshooting in a refinery, or calibrating life-saving medical equipment. If you’re the kind of person who finds satisfaction in a job well done – who knows the power of building, mending, and maintaining – this is the place to call home.

Ready to roll up your sleeves?

Explore BTR Industries

6.5%Increase in skilled trade jobs in the Capital Region in the last decade
60K+Skilled trades professionals support our industrial sector (almost 1K more support our healthcare sector!)
11KNew skilled trade jobs projected in the Capital Region by 2032

Industry Connections

One of the perks of learning a skilled trade in the Capital Region, our deep connections to industry giants. With major players like ExxonMobil, Dow Chemical, Entergy, and more in our backyard, skilled workers are in high demand. Companies here don’t just offer jobs – they offer long-term careers with competitive pay, benefits, and room to grow. Want to learn more about the industries fueling our economy? Check out our industry sectors and see where your skills could take you.

Learn More

Education & Training

The Capital Region values expertise, and our training programs prove it. Baton Rouge Community College, River Parishes Community College, the Associated Builders and Contractors Training Center, and specialized healthcare programs at Fran U offer hands-on paths to prepare you for any skilled trade you choose. Are you drawn to industrial maintenance or healthcare technology? We’ve got the programs to sharpen your skills.

Learn More

K-12 Programs

Baton Rouge is paving the way for a brighter future! Our K-12 workforce pathway programs are anything but boring. With programs like Jump Start, students are earning industry-recognized credentials while still in high school, getting a head start on exciting careers in fields like construction, healthcare, and tech. Want to earn college credits while still in high school? The EBR Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) makes it happen, giving students a competitive edge in the real world. So, if you're looking for a fast track to a fulfilling career, Baton Rouge has the programs to help you get there – and have some fun along the way!

Earn While You Learn

Apprenticeships are a win-win. You get paid to train, and you end up with the skills and certifications that make you a hot commodity in the job market. Programs like those offered by Louisiana Workforce Commission give you the chance to hit the ground running while earning a steady paycheck. Why wait to start making money when you can build your future and your bank account at the same time?