NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans City Council has committed to funding quality early childhood education to help set children up for success in elementary school. However, once they get to high school, New Orleans' youth need to graduate ready to continue onto post-secondary education and pursue quality careers. Orleans Parish has many unfilled entry- and middle-skill employment in high wage, high demand careers available to graduates. The newly-opened New Orleans Career Center (NOCC) is meeting this need by connecting industry, workforce, and education, and developing future leaders in high-growth industries.
"That's why I'm proud to continue my support for NOCC, which will ensure students have the skills necessary to pursue meaningful careers in New Orleans while providing businesses with potential employees that are specifically trained for their industry," said District "A" Councilmember Joe Giarrusso.
The NOCC operates in partnership with Operation Spark at 2539 Columbus Street in the 7th Ward, the former site of Saint Rose de Lima parochial school until it moves to its permanent location in partnership with Orleans Parish School Board.
"We're excited to provide a new opportunity for high school students to explore a compelling career trajectory, whether it's a traditional four-year or technical college degree path. The NOCC provides the groundwork, technical training, work-based learning and access to industry partnerships essential to career success," says New Orleans Career Center Executive Director Claire Jecklin.
Students are enrolled in Engineering and Manufacturing and Allied Health coursework and earn industry-based credentials valued by employers. In addition, students will earn dual enrollment credits as early as Spring 2019. NOCC will continue to increase the number of school partners with plans to train over 1,000 students per year and expand offerings and will expand to at least five career pathways, adding Skilled Crafts (such as construction, electrical, HVAC, welding), Software Development / IT, and Hospitality, Restaurant, Tourism to the existing Healthcare and Engineering and Manufacturing academies.
"Giving our young people increased access to skill building and education opportunities improves life for the whole city and every neighborhood. I am proud to support the NOCC as well as the City Council resolution of support," said Council President Jason Williams.
Through community and industry collaboration, NOCC will provide responsive programming that transforms the lives of high school students in Orleans Parish via technical skills training, meaningful work-based learning, and the development of impactful relationships. For more information see: http://nolacc.org/
The City Council will consider a resolution expressing support for NOCC at its regular meeting today, Nov. 1st beginning at 10 a.m.
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