PORT ALLEN — About 150 students took part in a student event at West Baton Rouge Career Academy today.

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry held the event in West Baton Rouge in partnership with Be Pro Be Proud. Be Pro Be Proud brought its mobile workshop to the academy in Port Allen.

It showcases skilled-trade careers with interactive demonstrations and virtual reality. It is designed to engage with the next generation of Louisiana workers.

"So it's programs like this. We created our career academy three years ago and we have more than 360 kids taking courses here from both of our high schools. They have courses: culinary, STEM, health sciences, carpentry, electrical, welding. Courses here are what you know attract kids to school," said Dr. Chandler Smith, superintendent of West Baton Rouge Schools.