ALEXANDRIA, La. (WNTZ) – Central Louisiana Technical Community College is transforming workforce development across the region by expanding programs, strengthening industry partnerships and helping rural communities address labor shortages, school and business leaders said Friday.

From Alexandria to Ferriday, Jena, Cottonport and Winnfield, CLTCC has grown into what officials call a national model for how rural colleges can deliver economic value by offering stackable credentials, employer-designed training and strong ties to local industries.

“When I came here, Alexandria was the second largest metropolitan area in the United States without a community college,” said Jim Clinton, outgoing president and CEO of Louisiana Central. “I knew that if we were going to be more competitive, we had to have a functioning community college.”

Since the opening of CLTCC’s downtown Alexandria campus, enrollment has grown steadily, with the college reporting double-digit increases in each of the last three semesters. Chancellor Jimmy Sawtelle credited partnerships with the Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce, The Rapides Foundation, Louisiana Central, and local governments for helping expand training programs and facilities.

CLTCC has surpassed its cumulative student completion goal under the statewide “Reaching Prosperity 2030” plan by 23 percent, graduating 9,434 students in the past four years in fields ranging from healthcare and welding to commercial driving and electrical linework. Average starting wages for many of these careers range from $40,000 to more than $50,000 annually.

“CLTCC’s success has been driven by our consortium partners, local employers and the support of our regional and state higher education partners,” Sawtelle said. “Together, we’ve transformed opportunities for central Louisiana.”

Local employers such as Cleco, RoyOMartin and area hospitals work directly with the college to design programs in manufacturing, healthcare, skilled trades and energy. Students can earn short-term certificates, diplomas and associate degrees that build on one another, creating career pathways with multiple entry and exit points.

The Rapides Foundation has invested more than $5.8 million since 2013 to expand CLTCC’s healthcare training programs, helping to graduate hundreds of nurses and allied health professionals to meet urgent workforce needs.

“CLTCC has done a great job in responding to workforce needs by offering education and training opportunities to fill high-demand jobs,” said Joe Rosier, president and CEO of The Rapides Foundation.

Chamber of Commerce President Deborah Randolph said the college has also strengthened high school partnerships through Jump Start programs that give students a head start on technical credentials.

Looking ahead, CLTCC plans two new building projects — the Rod Brady Campus in Jena and the Ward H. Nash Avoyelles Campus in Cottonport — to expand training capacity further.

Applications for the upcoming semester are open. More information is available at www.cltcc.edu/apply