Building Pathways to the Future
At Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans, the Future Ready initiative is designed to connect classroom learning to real-world opportunity, and this spring, that connection came to life through a powerful partnership with the Joseph A. Cuillier Sr. Career Center, RNGD, and the Palmisano Foundation.
What began in September as a Career Speaker Series event quickly grew into a sustained, hands-on experience for students in the Cuillier Center’s carpentry program. RNGD team members first met students in the classroom, sharing their personal career journeys and introducing the wide range of opportunities within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. That initial spark set the stage for deeper engagement.
Over the following months, JA and RNGD worked side by side to deliver a series of workshops grounded in JA’s It’s My Job curriculum. Students developed critical soft skills such as resume writing, networking, teamwork, professional communication, and interview preparation, building the confidence and readiness needed to take their next steps after high school.
In April, the partnership culminated in a job shadow experience at RNGD headquarters for 17 junior and senior carpentry students. The day offered an inside look at the modern construction industry, beginning with practical guidance from RNGD’s HR team on resumes and interviews. Students then participated in one-on-one mock interviews with professionals across the organization, receiving real-time feedback in a supportive and encouraging environment.
From there, students toured the facility and explored cutting-edge tools and technologies shaping the future of construction. They experienced 4D modeling that brings construction timelines to life, saw how 3D printing is used in design and planning, and tested an operator simulator that provides hands-on equipment training. In the steel shop, students donned personal protective equipment (PPE) and observed advanced machinery in action, including a band saw, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine, drill line, and Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) machine, turning abstract concepts into tangible career possibilities.
Just as meaningful as the technical exposure were the conversations. Students asked thoughtful, honest questions: What credentials are needed for this role? How can I improve my confidence in interviews? What degree is required for 4D modeling? These moments opened the door to real dialogue about career pathways, skill-building, and the many routes to success within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) field.
By the end of the experience, more than half of participating students shared that they could see themselves working in an environment like RNGD, an outcome that speaks to the power of early exposure and authentic industry engagement. As one student reflected, “Before this, I didn’t really know what jobs were out there in construction besides what I see on sites. Now I feel like I actually have options—and I know how to talk about myself and what I can do.”
This kind of impact is exactly what the partnership was designed to achieve. As Sherry Serio, director of the Palmisano Foundation and Junior Achievement board member, shared: “The Palmisano Foundation and RNGD are pleased to partner with the Cuillier Career Center and Junior Achievement of New Orleans to expand our impact. Through this partnership, we are fostering industry trade pathways, providing resources, and mentoring students to realize the array of career pathways within the architecture, engineering and construction industry. Our collaboration exemplifies the Palmisano Foundation's vision to strengthen the AEC workforce pipeline, help young people gain technical and professional skills and confidence to succeed and forge their vision as future builders. By aligning resources and expertise, the foundation is set for young people to succeed and thrive within the AEC field.”
Through Future Ready, we are not just preparing students for the workforce, we are helping them discover where they belong in it.