Meta has invested in New Orleans Career Center’s Building Trades program through America’s Workforce Academy, a national initiative backed by an initial $115 million commitment to expand skilled trades training in four states, including Louisiana. The investment funds training equipment, materials, and hands-on learning across NOCC’s welding, electrical, carpentry, and HVAC pathways.
New Orleans CityBusiness covered the partnership on November 10. Read the full story in New Orleans CityBusiness.
“Meta is proud to partner with the New Orleans Career Center and Claire Jecklin to ensure students throughout New Orleans will be part of building the future for our country,” said Dina Powell McCormick, President and Vice Chairman of Meta.
From NOCC to Meta’s Richland Parish Site
Kearries Cooper spent four years working in restaurants before he enrolled in NOCC’s tuition-free welding program. His wife, Jamai, had already completed NOCC’s Patient Care Technician training and works at University Medical Center.
Cooper graduated in May 2026 with three industry-recognized credentials. He started at New Orleans-based construction company RNGD on June 2. Within his first month, RNGD assigned him to Meta’s data center in Richland Parish, where he works on structural steel connections and has earned additional equipment certifications.
“At the end of the day, everything started with NOCC,” Cooper said.
Building Trades Results
Building Trades is NOCC’s second-largest and fastest-growing sector. During the 2025–26 training year, 98 percent of Building Trades trainees earned industry-based credentials, and 56 have since secured construction jobs. Starting wages averaged about $24 per hour.
“Over the next two years, we’ll prepare more than 500 young people for these high-demand entry-level construction jobs with strong wages and benefits,” said Claire Jecklin, NOCC’s founding CEO.
Start Your Training
NOCC’s Building Trades training is tuition-free. Fill out our interest form to learn about the next cohort.