72 Six Weeks to a $20+/Hour Career. The Program Changing Lives in Northwest Louisiana with Jonathan Keith of BPCC

What if you could go from underemployed—or unsure about your future—to a high-paying, in-demand career in just 6 weeks?

In this episode of the Shreveport-Bossier Local Lens Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Sutton sits down with Jonathan Keith, Director of the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Technology (CAMET) at BPCC, to talk about a powerful program that's transforming lives across Northwest Louisiana.

The EMPOWER Program is helping people—from recent graduates to veterans and career changers—gain real-world skills, earn certifications, and land jobs with local employers… often immediately after completion.

🔥 What Makes This Program Different?

• Designed by local employers to meet real workforce needs
• Just 6 weeks long
• Students can earn 10–15 certifications
• Direct access to real job interviews (not mock interviews)
• 100% job placement (currently) for graduates
• Funding options available—no one turned away for cost

💡 What You'll Learn:

• Why the traditional 4-year degree isn't the only path anymore
• How this program helps people go from minimum wage to $20–$25/hour careers
• The "skills gap" problem—and how EMPOWER is solving it
• Why certifications matter more than ever in today's job market
• How hands-on skills build confidence (and open doors)
• Why this program is helping stop the "brain drain" in Northwest Louisiana

💬 Real Talk Moments:

• "You're not hoping you have what employers want—they designed the program."
• "This is a pipeline to employment."
• "You can go from figuring life out… to making real money in 6 weeks."

🎯 Who This Episode Is For:

• Young adults unsure about college
• Parents looking for direction for their kids
• People stuck in low-paying jobs
• Veterans needing certifications for skills they already have
• Anyone ready for a faster path to a real career

Contact info:

Visit BPCC's website or email Jonathan @ [e-mail]

🚀 Final Takeaway:

You don't have to spend 4 years and tens of thousands of dollars to build a great career.
Sometimes, all it takes is 6 weeks, the right training, and the right opportunity.