ALEXANDRIA, La. (KALB) - Louisiana Central is excited to announce its Manufacturing Month celebration this October, aimed at showcasing the manufacturing industry in Central Louisiana.

This event will focus on the future of manufacturing, honor local companies and demonstrate the industry’s impact on the region.

The initiative also highlights career opportunities in manufacturing and seeks to educate students about various roles in the field.

“We’ve seen a growth in the 10 parish region of about 13% in manufacturing jobs over the last five years, and according to occupational statistics, we’re going to see another 15% growth in the next five years,” said Lafe Jones, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Louisiana Central. “That means that over the next decade, we could have anywhere between 1,500 and 2,000 new jobs in manufacturing.”

Throughout the month, Louisiana Central will run a campaign to emphasize manufacturing’s significance in the region.

“We want to show our teachers, counselors and students all of the different exploratory opportunities in these manufacturers,” explained Keisha Hamilton, Program Coordinator at Louisiana Central. “That includes job shadowing, field trips, some internships and inviting guest speakers to discuss different career opportunities. We really just want to show our students all of the different things that are made here in our region.”

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