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The future of Louisiana’s workforce is taking shape in 4-H. Programs such as robotics and SeaPerch are introducing students to the technical, professional and leadership skills needed for career readiness in Louisiana and beyond.
4-H youth programs have long prepared students for traditional agriculture careers, but now they are developing adaptable and technically skilled workforce-ready young people for an evolving job market.
True to its tagline, 4-H is guiding its members to become “Beyond Ready” for life and careers. Brian Gautreau, Louisiana 4-H STEM coordinator, is helping ready the youth. To him, workforce development starts long before students begin searching for jobs.
“We do look at it from the point of exposing youth to as many opportunities to find their spark,” Gautreau said. “Providing a lot of avenues is what we’re doing.”
4-H still has tremendous strength in teaching youth about agriculture but modern 4-H also emphasizes science and technology. With programs focused on drones, artificial intelligence, esports and underwater robotics, Louisiana 4-H allows students to get hands-on experience that could lead to occupations they hadn’t yet considered.
Drone education is one example of 4-H STEM in action.
The LSU AgCenter offers drone programming that prepares youth for the Federal Aviation Administration’s Part 107 certification exam, a credential required for commercial drone operation. Gautreau’s industry partners emphasize the need for this type of education.
“When we ask, ‘What do you need?’ they say, ‘Give us pilots,’” Gautreau said.
Logan Vulgamore, 4-H STEM board member, pilots a small indoor drone during a workshop. 4-H has programming that prepares youth for the Federal Aviation Administration’s Part 107 certification exam, a credential required for commercial drone operation. Photo by Tobie Blanchard
Gregory Campbell III demonstrates how to operate the SeaPerch underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) that he built. The demonstration was part of the 4-H Agri-STEM Adventures at the East Carroll Parish Library in July. Photo by Lekeisha Lucas
Odiri Eyemaro, a 4-H STEM board member, works on soldering wires to create a circuit board that will be used on SeaPerch robots. Photo by Tobie Blanchard
Drones are being used more in agriculture but the skills also can lead qualified pilots into positions in emergency response, insurance assessments, industrial inspections, filmmaking and oil and gas operations.
Students are also gaining exposure to high-demand career fields such as maritime and engineering through 4-H’s SeaPerch underwater robotics program. Participants design and build remotely operated underwater vehicles, learning skills such as wiring, soldering, problem-solving and teamwork while completing challenges modeled after real-world scenarios.
“It really is a good intro into the maritime trades and industries,” Gautreau said.
Across Louisiana and beyond, industry needs continue to evolve. Emerging technologies such as precision agriculture, automation, robotics and artificial intelligence are creating demand for workers with new skills, advanced knowledge and specialized training.
Chett Chiasson, executive director of the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, which runs Port Fourchon and the South Lafourche Leonard Miller Jr. Airport, has a unique perspective on the marine industry and 4-H.
Chiasson, a former 4-H state president, was involved in public speaking and leadership development opportunities in 4-H. Chiasson draws a straight line from the skills he gained through 4-H to the work he does today.
“What I’ve been able to do in my life and in my career, the 4-H experience kind of started me off and gave me experience standing up in front of 2,500 people and meeting with elected officials,” he said.
Chiasson sees these STEM programs as 4-H’s ability to adapt to emerging industries and remain relevant to successive generations of youth.
“One thing I’ve learned in the 21 years I’ve been with the port is if you’re not evolving, you are going to die on the vine,” Chiasson said.
Chiasson noted how remotely operated vehicles, or ROVs, used underwater are becoming more common in marine industries. SeaPerch is preparing students for this future.
“Students that are now in robotics, working on those aquatic vessels, are going to be the ones working on subsea vessels like a gamer in a room on a boat controlling an ROV,” he said. “Those experiences for kids open up their eyes and their minds to the opportunities.”
In late July, Gautreau hosted the 4-H STEM board for a three-day conference. The students worked on making circuit boards and building their own drones. The 4-H’ers will take that knowledge and lead workshops and classes teaching others.
Wyatt Treloar, a 4-H’er from West Feliciana Parish, said he has always been intrigued by robotics and mathematics. After losing a relative in a biking accident, Treloar said he wants to create safety gear and is considering studying mechanical or materials engineering. Robotics is laying the foundation for his future.
“It’s helping me get a better visualization of a lot of this stuff. Making it hands-on, personally, has always been the best way for me to learn,” Treloar said.
Across Louisiana and beyond, industry needs continue to evolve. Emerging technologies such as precision agriculture, automation, robotics and artificial intelligence are creating demand for workers with new skills, advanced knowledge and specialized training.
Port director Chett Chiasson has hired former 4-H’ers and works with some.
Chett Chiasson, executive director of the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, sees these STEM programs as 4-H’s ability to adapt to emerging industries. Photo provided by Chett Chiasson
Brian Gautreau, Louisiana 4-H STEM coordinator, works with the STEM board members to create circuit boards for SeaPerch robots. Photo by Tobie Blanchard
Learn more about 4-H Robotics and how young innovators are putting Louisiana 4-H robotics on international map.
“They are the type of folks you want to hire because they’re committed. They tend to do good work,” he said. “They have experience in doing work outside of normal schoolwork, and that takes commitment in terms of leadership and citizenship and professional development.”
Programs offered through the LSU AgCenter, 4-H, FFA and the College of Agriculture are preparing students for opportunities before students start their professions. By combining technical training with leadership development, certifications, career exploration and hands-on experiences, the organizations are building a pipeline of skilled individuals ready to meet the workforce needs of tomorrow.
“One of our missions moving forward in workforce development is finding ways to demonstrate that their pathway leads into these STEM careers,” Gautreau said.
