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EXCEL Receives GBRIA Award of Excellence for Workforce Development
EXCEL earns the 2026 GBRIA Award of Excellence for Workforce Development, recognizing its commitment to training, leadership, and workforce growth.
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EXCEL has been honored with the 2026 GBRIA Award of Excellence for Workforce Development, recognizing the company's commitment to developing skilled craft professionals, investing in leadership training, and building strong partnerships that support the future workforce for Louisiana's industrial and construction sectors.
Presented by the Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance (GBRIA), the award highlights organizations that demonstrate excellence in workforce development and support the long-term growth of the region's workforce pipeline.
"Receiving the GBRIA Award of Excellence for Workforce Development is a tremendous honor and a testament to EXCEL's continued commitment to developing our people and investing in the future of our workforce," said Cody St. Arnaud, Workforce Development Manager at EXCEL. "We're proud of the opportunities we're creating for our employees, future leaders, and the next generation entering the construction industry."
EXCEL's workforce development approach begins by introducing students to careers in the skilled trades through partnerships with local schools and career and technical education programs. That commitment continues throughout an employee's career through craft training, NCCER credentials, supervisor development, and leadership training.
"This award really represents a team effort across EXCEL," St. Arnaud said. "There are a lot of people throughout the company who support these programs and understand the importance of developing our workforce for both today and the future."
One of the highlights of the GBRIA awards ceremony was seeing several EXCEL-supported schools honored for their workforce development efforts. Congratulations to Albany High School, Ponchatoula High School, Fontainebleau High School, and St. Amant High School for being recognized at this year's awards.
It was especially rewarding to see schools that EXCEL supports and partners with receive recognition for preparing students for careers in our industry. These programs and instructors play an important role in introducing students to the skilled trades, providing hands-on training, and helping build the next generation of our workforce. Ponchatoula High School and Fontainebleau High School received Awards of Excellence, and Albany High School and St. Amant High School were also recognized for their outstanding workforce development programs.

EXCEL is proud to support these schools and even prouder to see their hard work recognized by GBRIA. The company nominated each school in recognition of their commitment to workforce development, the strength of their programs, and the instructors' dedication that helps make them successful.
These schools and educators play a vital role in preparing students for successful careers in the skilled trades through hands-on training, career exploration, and industry engagement. EXCEL is proud to support programs that help bridge the gap between education and industry and build the next generation of craft professionals.
As workforce demand continues to grow across the Gulf Coast industrial market, EXCEL remains committed to investing in people, supporting educators, and strengthening partnerships that build a skilled, capable workforce for years to come.
Presented by the Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance (GBRIA), the award highlights organizations that demonstrate excellence in workforce development and support the long-term growth of the region's workforce pipeline.
"Receiving the GBRIA Award of Excellence for Workforce Development is a tremendous honor and a testament to EXCEL's continued commitment to developing our people and investing in the future of our workforce," said Cody St. Arnaud, Workforce Development Manager at EXCEL. "We're proud of the opportunities we're creating for our employees, future leaders, and the next generation entering the construction industry."
EXCEL's workforce development approach begins by introducing students to careers in the skilled trades through partnerships with local schools and career and technical education programs. That commitment continues throughout an employee's career through craft training, NCCER credentials, supervisor development, and leadership training.
"This award really represents a team effort across EXCEL," St. Arnaud said. "There are a lot of people throughout the company who support these programs and understand the importance of developing our workforce for both today and the future."
One of the highlights of the GBRIA awards ceremony was seeing several EXCEL-supported schools honored for their workforce development efforts. Congratulations to Albany High School, Ponchatoula High School, Fontainebleau High School, and St. Amant High School for being recognized at this year's awards.
It was especially rewarding to see schools that EXCEL supports and partners with receive recognition for preparing students for careers in our industry. These programs and instructors play an important role in introducing students to the skilled trades, providing hands-on training, and helping build the next generation of our workforce. Ponchatoula High School and Fontainebleau High School received Awards of Excellence, and Albany High School and St. Amant High School were also recognized for their outstanding workforce development programs.

EXCEL is proud to support these schools and even prouder to see their hard work recognized by GBRIA. The company nominated each school in recognition of their commitment to workforce development, the strength of their programs, and the instructors' dedication that helps make them successful.
These schools and educators play a vital role in preparing students for successful careers in the skilled trades through hands-on training, career exploration, and industry engagement. EXCEL is proud to support programs that help bridge the gap between education and industry and build the next generation of craft professionals.
As workforce demand continues to grow across the Gulf Coast industrial market, EXCEL remains committed to investing in people, supporting educators, and strengthening partnerships that build a skilled, capable workforce for years to come.
About EXCEL's Workforce Development Commitment
EXCEL is committed to developing the next generation of craft professionals, field leaders, and construction managers through:- Skilled trades outreach and career awareness programs
- NCCER training and credentialing
- Craft professional development
- Supervisor and leadership training
- Partnerships with schools and industry organizations
- Workforce readiness and career advancement opportunities
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