News Release > Entergy Companies Invest More Than $1M to Develop Louisiana Workforce

Entergy Companies Invest More Than $1M to Develop Louisiana Workforce

11/13/2016

Shareholders launch $5 million, five-year workforce development initiative across Entergy’s service territory

NEW ORLEANS – To help meet the workforce needs of Louisiana’s rapid economic growth, Entergy’s Louisiana companies announced today an investment of more than $1 million in shareholder dollars to support local workforce development training programs. The announcement is part of a $5 million, five-year initiative providing more job training opportunities in growing communities across Entergy’s four-state utility service area.  

Entergy New Orleans President and CEO Charles Rice, left, and Entergy Louisiana President and CEO Phillip May, right, are joined by Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards in announcing a $1 million donation to assist Louisiana’s workforce partners.

The contributions by Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Entergy New Orleans, Inc. will boost six Louisiana workforce development programs that educate, train and prepare local residents for a variety of careers. Through its economic development activities, Entergy has helped create more than 23,000 new jobs in Louisiana since 2005.

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards was on hand for the grants announcement and said public-private partnerships are the key to ensuring future success of all Louisianans.

“Entergy’s investment in the development of Louisiana’s workforce speaks volumes about the value this company places in our state and in our people,” said Gov. Edwards. “The combination of a skilled workforce and good paying jobs will ensure a vibrant future for Louisiana. Louisianans simply want the opportunity to succeed. This support provides a path forward for so many families, and I am grateful to Entergy for leading the way and making this investment right here in Louisiana.”

Recipients of the grant monies are Louisiana Economic Development, Operation Spark, Delgado Community College, the Louisiana Construction Education Foundation, Jobs for America’s Graduates of Louisiana and the Orleans Re-Entry Court.

“These programs provide the services needed to raise the wealth of our citizens by giving them the skills they need to secure good-paying jobs,” said Phillip May, Entergy Louisiana president and CEO. “This is an exciting time for the state. We are seeing significant industrial growth and expansion, which is providing even more opportunities for our workforce.”

Charles Rice, Entergy New Orleans president and CEO, said Entergy is dedicated to partnering with these organizations, so that individuals and industries alike will benefit.

“New Orleans is booming,” Rice said. “And that’s why we’ve devised a citywide strategy to drive economic growth and support efforts to create jobs and increase local revenue. By ensuring our workers are well trained and ready for these jobs, we’ll see a huge economic impact on local families and on our community.”

Of the workforce development grant dollars, $500,000 will go to Louisiana Economic Development to fund manufacturing certifications through the state’s Fast Start and Jump Start programs. The training will equip adults and high school students for entry-level advanced manufacturing jobs. Entergy’s grant also will allow LED to further engage industry, educators, civic leaders, businesses and community organizations to identify workforce opportunities and skill gaps and develop training to fill those needs.

Operation Spark will receive $169,000 to fund its Software Design and Engineering Immersion Course. The course is a three-month program that provides students with intensive instruction to prepare them for software engineering jobs that have annual starting salaries ranging from $60,000 to $85,000.

Both the Louisiana Construction Education Foundation and Delgado Community College will benefit from $100,000 each for scholarships, support and training of students who are seeking certifications in construction, healthcare and technology.

Jobs for America’s Graduates of Louisiana will receive $75,000 to provide additional education support services and employment training to ensure at-risk youth graduate with the skills needed for success in career or college.

Finally, the Orleans Re-Entry Court will get $75,000 to provide case management and a revolving loan fund for those who are working to rejoin the workforce and become productive members of the community. The revolving loan fund will help re-entrants establish or improve their credit history and provide them with affordable financial services.

“Education is the key to economic success,” both May and Rice said. “We believe our investment will support programs that will help students make informed decisions about their future education and get them ready for career opportunities.”

Entergy Louisiana provides electric service to more than 1 million customers and natural gas service to nearly 93,000 customers in the greater Baton Rouge area. With operations in southern, central and northeastern Louisiana, the company is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation.

Entergy New Orleans, Inc. is an electric and gas utility that serves Louisiana’s Orleans Parish. The company provides electricity to more than 198,000 customers and natural gas to more than 106,000 customers. Entergy New Orleans is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation.

Entergy Corporation is an integrated energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail distribution operations. Entergy owns and operates power plants with approximately 30,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity, including nearly 10,000 megawatts of nuclear power. Entergy delivers electricity to 2.8 million utility customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Entergy has annual revenues of approximately $11.5 billion and more than 13,000 employees.

-30- 

entergylouisiana.com
facebook.com/EntergyLA
Twitter: @EntergyLA

entergyneworleans.com
facebook.com/EntergyNOLA
Twitter: @EntergyNOLA