South Louisiana Community College is teaming up with local employers to build Acadiana’s next generation of electricians through a new Registered Electrical Apprenticeship at its New Iberia Campus.
The four-year program combines classroom instruction through SoLAcc with paid, on-the-job training through participating employers, giving apprentices the opportunity to earn while they learn and work toward becoming journeyman electricians.
The program marks a first within Louisiana’s community and technical college system. SoLAcc is the first college within LCTC to offer this type of Registered Apprenticeship through a non-credit workforce program.
The apprenticeship grew from conversations with Gridic Electrical Services founder Jonas Hebert, who approached SoLAcc about a challenge facing employers across the region: a shortage of trained electricians and a need for more ways to develop skilled talent locally.
“There is a real shortage of trained electricians, and at the same time there are many young people who would do very well in the trades if they were given a clear path into the industry,” Hebert said. “We wanted a program where someone could learn in the classroom, apply that knowledge at work and earn a paycheck while progressing toward a recognized career.”
While Gridic helped bring the idea forward, the apprenticeship was built to serve the broader industry. Unlike programs tied to a single company or union, SoLAcc’s model allows local employers to participate directly with the College and provide the on-the-job learning apprentices need to advance through the program.
“This model gives local employers the flexibility to be directly involved in developing the skilled workforce they need,” said Jobe Gwin, Workforce Director of Construction & Industrial Trades for SoLAcc’s Economic and Workforce Development division. “By bringing employers and SoLAcc together, we can provide the classroom instruction and on-the-job experience apprentices need while creating an opportunity that works for businesses across our region.”
SoLAcc is now looking to grow the apprenticeship program by bringing more electrical employers on board. Participating companies can employ apprentices, provide on-the-job training, and help prepare the next generation of skilled electricians in Acadiana.
Electrical employers interested in participating, and individuals interested in learning more about the apprenticeship program, can visit www.solacc.edu/electricalapprentice or contact SoLAcc Workforce at (337) 521-9028.
ABOUT ACADIANA’S COMMUNITY COLLEGE
South Louisiana Community College (SoLAcc) is a comprehensive community college with campuses in Abbeville, Crowley, Franklin, Lafayette, Morgan City, New Iberia, Opelousas, St. Martinville, and Ville Platte. Serving approximately 12,000 students annually, SoLAcc offers associate degrees, technical diplomas, certificates, and industry-based certifications that prepare students for in-demand careers and strengthen workforce pipelines across Acadiana. SoLAcc and its graduates generate $294.9 million in added income for the Acadiana economy, supporting one out of every 97 jobs in the region. The College’s impact and commitment to student success have also earned national recognition, including being named among the Top 200 U.S. community colleges eligible for the 2027 Aspen Prize and selected as a Top 10 national finalist for the 2026 Bellwether Award. Learn more about SoLAcc’s impact at solacc.edu/impact.