Louisiana Launches New Energy Internship Collaborative
Seven school systems are joining a state initiative to provide paid energy sector internships to high school students.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Internships
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The new FUEL Energy Internship Collaborative aims to connect Louisiana students with paid professional opportunities across the energy sector. The program focuses on fields including engineering, technology, and project management to help students gain essential workforce skills.
Why it matters
By directly linking students to industry partners, the program seeks to address energy workforce demands in Louisiana. This initiative ensures that young learners receive practical, paid experience that aligns with the future needs of the regional economy.
The initiative currently includes 7 school systems and aims to place 150 students into internships by 2030. The program provides training across a wide range of fields including environmental sciences, manufacturing, and skilled trades.
The players
LABI Foundation
This organization manages employer recruitment and facilitates connections between regional businesses and participating schools.
YouthForce NOLA
This group manages technical assistance, student training, and resource allocation to support internship programs.
The details
Managed by the LABI Foundation for recruitment and YouthForce NOLA for technical assistance, the program matches high school students with local energy businesses. Participating parishes include Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Iberia, Jefferson, Livingston, St. Tammany, and Orleans.
Timeline
October 20, 2026: Announcement of the FUEL Energy Internship Collaborative.
2030: Deadline to reach the goal of placing 150 students in internships.
Market Landscape
This program aligns with the state strategy to address workforce shortages within the local energy sector. By integrating academic training with industry needs, the initiative positions Louisiana to remain competitive in the evolving industrial market.
Students in the participating seven parishes can now apply for paid internships that offer practical experience in fields like engineering and logistics. This provides families with access to career-ready training that can help students secure future employment in the energy sector.
The takeaway
This collaborative effort serves as a scalable model for pairing secondary education with industrial labor requirements. Parents and students should watch for further recruitment announcements within their respective parishes.
Further reading
For more information on career development and training initiatives, visit Louisiana Internships.
More information
Employers interested in the initiative can visit the energy employer intake portal.
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Do you support prioritizing school-industry partnerships to train students for local career opportunities?
