Students Gain Real-World Experience in Summer Millwright Program at Vermilion Career Academy

This June, a group of Vermilion Parish high school students spent their summer gaining hands-on experience and building valuable skills through the Fast Forward Summer Millwright Program at the Vermilion Career Academy.

Millwrights play an important role in today’s workforce. They are skilled professionals who install, maintain, and repair the heavy machinery used in industrial settings such as plants and manufacturing facilities. It’s a career that requires precision, problem-solving, and strong technical knowledge—all skills students were able to begin developing during the program.

Thanks to the Louisiana Department of Education’s Fast Forward Summer Grant, students were not only able to participate in this training, but they were also paid for their time—earning while learning throughout the month of June.

During the program, students worked toward and earned the CITF Millwright Industry-Based Credential, an advanced certification that is recognized by industry partners. In addition, they received high school credit for a Pre-Apprenticeship course, helping them take an important step toward future careers in the skilled trades.

Students who completed the program included Owen Leger and Roy Brock of North Vermilion High School; Bobby Badeaux of Gueydan High School; Conner Lange and Layla Primeaux of Erath High School; and Aden Gaspard of Kaplan High School.

The program was led by instructor Mr. Keith Sherman, who brought real-world experience into the classroom and helped guide students through the technical skills and expectations of the millwright profession.

Programs like this continue to show the value of Career and Technical Education in Vermilion Parish—giving students meaningful opportunities to explore careers, earn credentials, and get a head start on their futures.