Our courses

The Ben D. Johnson Educational Center’s Legacy Workforce Development Program offers a Work Readiness Course, Industrial Readiness Training Course, and a HiSET Education Course. Get started today.

Are you eligible?

Our program administrator can walk you through the enrollment process!

Generally, our workforce readiness program participants…

have a form of ID

are 17 years of age or older

are SNAP, STEP, or CSE&ENT eligible*

are taking the right steps toward a brighter future

Workforce Program Outline

Work Readiness Program

Participants are prepared for the workforce through a four-week, cohort-based program. The curriculum consists of a variety of professional development, financial & digital literacy, and socioemotional development workshops and activities.

Wrap- around Services

Throughout all our free programmatic offerings, participants can receive financial assistance with:

  • Child Care

  • Transportation

  • Rent/Utility Payments

  • Interview Clothing and Uniforms

  • Background Checks/Drug Tests

  • Other Reasonable Accommodation Supplies

Education

Through a partnership with Bossier Parish Community College, participants can complete their HiSET and/or obtain a number of Industry-Based Certifications, including Forklift Operation and ServSafe Food Handler certification.

Work Experience

Upon work readiness program completion, participants can enter a 3-month on-the-job training program with one of our Employer Partners. During training, they receive continued case management support, an hourly wage, & the chance to enter into long-term employment.

Participant Journey

  • 1. Orientation

    Introduction to the Legacy Workforce Development Program and tour of the facility. Participants also receive intake assessment.

  • 2. Program Placement

    Individualized Success Plan

    • Work Readiness Course

    • Industrial Readiness Training Course

    • HiSET Education Course

  • 3. Barrier Removal

    Connected to a supportive services to address the individual’s barriers to employment

    • childcare assistance

    • transportation

    • and more

  • 4. Cohort Commencement

    Participant is assessed for “Send Out Eligibility”

    Participant transitions to on-the-job training or external employment

  • 5. Participant Completion

    Case Manager calls or visits participant monthly to provide support through employment

    Participant successfully completes program once they’ve maintained employment for 12 months post-cohort completion

* We are an affiliate of SNAP Employment & Training, a federally funded grant program designed to provide program participants “opportunities to gain skills, training, work, or experience that will increase their ability to obtain regular employment and meet state or local workforce needs.” This program eliminates the program’s age restriction, meaning we can serve all SNAP-eligible Natchitoches residents ages 17 and above.

Refer a student

As Ben D. Johnson said, “An idle mind is a playground for poor decisions and costly mistakes.” If you have a young adult in your life — whether you are a relative, educator, or mentor— The Ben D. Johnson Educational Center offers the youth a safe place to learn, be productive, and develop life skills.

Hire a graduate

Looking for another way to support our program? We graduate dozens of earnest, dedicated, and reliable participants monthly that are eager to get into the workforce. The Ben D. Johnson Educational Center offers chances for employers to hire trained individuals.