Closing the Skills Gap: How Local Construction Training Creates Career-Ready Talent for Louisiana’s Growing Projects
Louisiana is expected to see an estimated increase of 20,500 construction workers in the coming year, driven by several new megaprojects. Louisiana currently has 140,087 construction employees. As the state experiences an industrial boom in construction, these projects will provide numerous opportunities for industry professionals. Although there is currently a skilled labor crisis in construction. It can be overcome by providing training to people. Training in skilled construction labor is necessary to ensure that these new projects are built. Additionally, it provides jobs to people who need and want to work. Programs such as Bridge Builders ensure that Louisianans have access to skilled training and opportunities in the construction industry.
Louisiana’s New Megaprojects
Specifically in late 2026 and early 2027, Louisiana construction workers are expected to reach a peak. Especially in areas like Richland Parish, Cameron Parish, Plaquemine Parish, and Ascension Parish. As Louisiana attracts new megaprojects, a trained and skilled construction workforce must be ready for employment. There will be increased demand in cities such as Lake Charles, Monroe, and Baton Rouge.
Meta AI Data Center: Meta will be building a $10 billion AI data center in Richland Parish, Louisiana.
Hyundai Steel: Hyundai is building a steel plant in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, which will create an estimated 1,300 new jobs in the area.
CF Industries: CF Industries is constructing the world’s biggest Ammonia Facility. They are investing over $4 billion in the facility, which will be located in Ascension Parish.
Entergy Power Center: Entergy is building a power data center in Richland Parish.
Venture Global Projects: LNG is constructing a liquefaction export facility in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. Additionally, LNG is building a 1,150-acre liquefied natural gas export facility in Cameron Parish, Louisiana.
The Need for Local Construction Training
Despite these growth opportunities, Louisiana faces challenges in the construction labor force. Louisiana has a brain drain problem, which means that skilled and trained Louisianans tend to leave the state as opposed to staying in it. This can occur for many reasons, such as limited opportunities or stagnant salaries. As a result, Louisiana has a smaller pool of skilled construction labor, which makes it more challenging to hire highly trained construction workers.
However, Louisiana has many people who want to enter the construction industry but are unable to do so. The construction industry requires extensive training, so ensuring that people have access to training programs is crucial. When we provide construction training programs, we help fill Louisiana's talent pool of skilled construction workers. At Bridge Builders, our mission is to provide mentors, training, and construction jobs to individuals ready to turn their lives around.
Works Cited
https://betterla.org/research/louisianas-megaproject-moment/
https://www.knoe.com/2025/10/22/construction-industry-north-east-louisiana-battles-brain-drain/
https://www.audacy.com/wwl/news/local/louisiana-in-midst-of-industrial-construction-boom
https://betterla.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Megaprojects-Analysis-Better-LA-FINAL.pdf