Enrollment Begins For Contractors Accreditation Program

BATON ROUGE, La. — An innovative program for small construction companies will be offered again this year, with enrollment open now and classes beginning in March through the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. The Louisiana Contractors Accreditation Institute will help small and emerging construction companies learn the basics of the industry and prepare for the state’s licensing exam. The ultimate goal is to provide contractors with a solid foundation for business growth and success.

Partners making the program possible are Louisiana Economic Development, LCTCS and the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. The six-week course will be offered March 6 through April 12 on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. The course also will be offered online via interactive distance-learning to multiple locations throughout Louisiana. Last fall, 243 participants completed the course, which was offered at 14 locations throughout the state.

“This successful program continues to provide access to essential information for Louisiana’s small and emerging construction businesses,” LED Secretary Don Pierson said. “We’re preparing more individuals to take advantage of the opportunities arising in Louisiana’s construction industry, and that’s good for our economy.” 

Enrollment is underway and available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a $200 fee for the course and materials. For more information and a link to registration, visit OpportunityLouisiana.com/LCAI. Once there, click on “Getting Started,” then click the “upcoming schedule” link and click on the community or technical college campus of your choice. At the campus website, you will be instructed to click the “register/sign in now” button at the bottom of the page and to then create an account. If you encounter problems, phone the community or technical college directly for assistance.

The course is open to construction-based Louisiana businesses and anyone with an interest in starting one. The institute will offer critical information about construction management and how to prepare for the General Contractors State Licensing Exam.  
 
“We value and appreciate the critical role that small businesses play in helping to grow our economy and the middle class,” said William Seaman, LCTCS executive director of workforce alignment. “As we continue to develop the institute, more small businesses will have an opportunity to learn the details of construction management and how to prepare for the various licensing exams. We appreciate our partners’ efforts and applaud the commitment of LED and the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors in providing resources to help ensure the institute’s sustainability.”

The course will be taught by industry leaders. Session topics will include:

• Bid process
• Contract management
• Estimating
• Equipment management
• Scheduling
• Occupational safety
• Risk management
• Financial and business management
• Bonding and access to capital
• Certifications and available resources
• Entrepreneurship training

Classes can be tailored in different parts of the state to include specialized information, such as working in the energy sector or working with coastal restoration.

“The Louisiana Contractors Accreditation Institute is an outstanding example of teamwork and partnership,” said Michael McDuff, executive director of the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. “LED and our education partners worked with us to provide this opportunity for small businesses to learn how to effectively operate as a contractor in Louisiana. LCAI is a business development tool for small businesses as well as a higher standard for the integrity of the construction industry.”