Cenla Trades Day
Meet local builders, unions, and employers. Ask real questions. Find out what a career in the building trades looks like.
When
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Where
Westside Regional Library
5416 Provine Pl
Alexandria, LA 71303
Cost
Free and open to the public. Outreach focuses on Rapides Parish high school students.
RSVP by
November 6, 2026
Schools and vendors, please reply to confirm.
A job fair, minus the pressure.
Cenla Trades Day is a job-fair style event with no job expectation. High school students walk the room, visit employer and training tables, and ask questions about careers in the building industry: what the work is like, what training is needed, and what it pays.
Invited exhibitors include trade unions, utilities, credit unions, local builders, and manufacturers. Students who visit every table can enter a raffle, with items donated by participating exhibitors.
Cenla Trades Day is made possible by a workforce development grant from the National Housing Endowment.
Bring your class.
Come curious
No resume needed. Walk the room, talk to professionals, and ask what you want to know.
Win a prize
Fill out a raffle ticket at each station that offers an item. Exhibitors contact their own winners.
Schools: RSVP
Teachers and CTE coordinators, email us by Nov. 6 with your group size so we can plan.
Vendor information
Thank you for sharing your trade with students. Here is what to know before you arrive:
- Setup: 9:00 – 9:30 AM. Doors open to students at 9:30 AM. Need extra setup time? Let us know and we will work it out.
- Reps: there is no limit to how many representatives you bring to your table.
- Provided by the library: Wi-Fi, tables, chairs, and coffee service.
- Please bring: your own extension cords (we are assuming wall power for information tables) and, optionally, a raffle item to encourage students to visit your table.
- RSVP by Nov. 6 to info@studentchapterofcenla.org or call 318-451-3088.
We are happy to help.
Email info@studentchapterofcenla.org or call 318-451-3088.