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The �������� is accepting applications to its Innovation Academy, an immersive education and apprenticeship program in high-growth fields. Students will be taught by practitioner-instructors and placed in work-based apprenticeships to enhance their learning. The goal is for every Innovation Academy student to leave the program with skills and experience that lead to employment in their chosen industry.

Innovation Academy courses last between 6-8 weeks, with each program built on assessing industry-specific competencies utilizing project-based learning. Innovation Academy programs allow working professionals the opportunity to explore emerging fields with high-quality curriculum and experiences.

“The �������� Innovation Academy will play a crucial role in ensuring that a strong workforce pipeline is available for New Orleans’ burgeoning digital media and technology sector,” said Michael Hecht, president and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc. “We applaud ��������’s leadership in creating a program that will help students earn and companies grow.”

Apprenticeships at the Innovation Academy are meant to address the experience barrier that many individuals face when trying to break into a new field. Placements can last between 8-15 weeks. While participating in an apprenticeship, Innovation Academy students will be paid and receive mentorship. Both students and employers will benefit from the arrangement.

“Creating the space for collaboration between the business community and our colleges and universities is a crucial component of NOLABA’s work,” said Quentin L. Messer Jr., president and CEO of the New Orleans Business Alliance. “Each day, businesses, large and small, say that talent development and employee skill attainment are primary barriers to additional growth and expansion. �������� is leading the way in helping businesses ensure that more New Orleanians have the skills that businesses are demanding. The Innovation Academy program creates another strong asset within our city to equip more residents to ultimately create the companies of the future.”

The Innovation Academy is funded in part by a $25 million statewide higher education investment, which Louisiana Economic Development provided in support of the DXC Technology project in New Orleans.

“LED is proud to join our partners in adding the Innovation Academy as a new and dynamic workforce resource at ��������,” said LED Secretary Don Pierson. “By providing this opportunity for students to train and then master high-demand IT skills, such as analytics, digital quality assurance and cybersecurity, the Innovation Academy is preparing students for great careers here in Louisiana. Thanks to this collaboration with ��������, LED is building on our vision to make Louisiana a leading digital development and career destination for America’s mission-critical IT workforce.”

The application deadline for spring courses is April 8, 2021. For more information, click . Additional courses will be added in the summer and fall.