Located in:
- II. Strategic Elements
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include a Strategic Planning Elements section that analyzes the State’s current economic environment and identifies the State’s overall vision for its workforce development system. The required elements in this section allow the State to develop data-driven goals for preparing an educated and skilled workforce and to identify successful strategies for aligning workforce development programs to support economic growth. Unless otherwise noted, all Strategic Planning Elements apply to Combined State Plan partner programs included in the plan as well as to core programs. Where requirements identify the term “populations”, these must include individuals with barriers to employment as defined at WIOA Section 3. This includes displaced homemakers; low-income individuals; Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians; individuals with disabilities, including youth who are individuals with disabilities; older individuals; ex-offenders; homeless individuals, or homeless children and youths; youth who are in or have aged out of the foster care system; individuals who are English language learners, individuals who have low levels of literacy, and individuals facing substantial cultural barriers; farmworkers (as defined at section 167(i) of WIOA and Training and Employment Guidance Letter No. 35-14); individuals within 2 years of exhausting lifetime eligibility under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program; single parents (including single pregnant women); and long-term unemployed individuals. Additional populations include veterans, unemployed workers, and youth, and others that the State may identify.
II. c. State Strategy
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include the State's strategies to achieve its strategic vision and goals. These strategies must take into account the State’s economic, workforce, and workforce development, education and training activities and analysis provided in Section (a) above. Include discussion of specific strategies to address the needs of populations provided in Section (a).
1. Describe the strategies the State will implement, including industry or sector partnerships related to in-demand industry sectors and occupations and career pathways, as required by WIOA section 101(d)(3)(B), (D). “Career pathway” is defined at WIOA section 3(7) and includes registered apprenticeship. “In-demand industry sector or occupation” is defined at WIOA section 3(23)
2. Describe the strategies the State will use to align the core programs, any Combined State Plan partner programs included in this Plan, required and optional one-stop partner programs, and any other resources available to the State to achieve fully integrated customer services consistent with the strategic vision and goals described above. Also describe strategies to strengthen workforce development activities in regard to weaknesses identified in section II(a)(2)
Current Narrative:
Louisiana’s strategy for aligning workforce development under its Combined State Plan employs a holistic and collaborative approach, bringing together key state agencies and initiatives to create an integrated service delivery model. This model is designed to enhance workforce capabilities, address specific employment challenges, and achieve the broader economic objectives of the state.
Targeted Economic and Workforce Development Opportunities
LWC’s workforce development efforts align with the Governor’s economic strategies by allocating resources to support opportunities in vital industry clusters.
Louisiana Governor’s Workforce Reform Task Force
Through the Governor’s Louisiana Workforce Reform Task Force, engagement and collaboration with key stakeholders, LWC has been able to align with current and future industry needs. Such engagement enables LWC to equip Louisianans with the skills, education, and training and resources needed to be competitive for the jobs of today and in the future. The Louisiana Workforce Reform Task Force is composed of 17 total members representing the following:
- The Commissioner of Administration,
- Louisiana Workforce Commission,
- And one additional staff member
- Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services,
- And one additional staff member
- Louisiana Department of Economic Development,
- Louisiana Community and Technical College System,
- Louisiana Department of Education,
- Louisiana Department Health,
- Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs,
- Louisiana Department Corrections,
- Louisiana House Representatives,
- Louisiana State Senate,
- Louisiana Legislative Auditor,
- One member or the Local Workforce Board under WIOA, appointed by the governor,
- One member representing employers appointed by the Governor and
- One member representing non-profit organizations serving individuals in poverty, appointed by the Governor
The duties of the Task force include the following:
- Conduct research and collect data on state models for coordinating and fully integrating workforce, social services, education, child care, and health care programs and develop alternative approaches that Louisiana should consider to achieve improved outcomes. Such programs shall prioritize but not be limited to:
- Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs, including oversight for an integrated regional service delivery system;
- Unemployment Insurance (UI) program;
- Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program;
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program;
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP);
- SNAP Employment and Training Program (SNAP E&T); and
- Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).
LWC is spearheading the Governor’s Reform Task Force team to address skills gaps and ensure that a talent pipeline is available to address regional industry needs. The Task Force provides an outlet for collaboration between an array of stakeholders and industry partners by leveraging matching monetary contributions and qualifying expenditures for workforce-related activities. Matching funds may be used to support WIOA activities and emphasize in-demand or target occupations as determined by Boards, or the occupations in industries that are targeted by the Office of the Governor.
A critical component of this strategy is the Louisiana Board of Regents (BOR), which coordinates public higher education initiatives to boost postsecondary attainment and meet the evolving needs of the labor market. BOR’s strategic initiatives, such as the development of the Career Ladder Identifier and Financial Forecaster (CLIFF) tool and its involvement in various task forces and commissions, aim to close the workforce gaps. These efforts ensure that education and training programs are aligned with industry demands, fostering a skilled workforce that can contribute to a prosperous and inclusive Louisiana.
The Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) plays a crucial role in enhancing workforce participation among economically disadvantaged populations. Through its SET for Success program and collaboration with Civil Service, DCFS is developing specialized units focused on increasing work participation rates for TANF recipients. By working closely with community-based providers and WIOA partners, DCFS connects individuals to training and employment opportunities, ensuring that they are equipped with the skills needed for high-demand jobs. The department’s focus on the ALICE population underscores its commitment to addressing poverty and economic vulnerability through targeted workforce development initiatives.
LED FastStart, Louisiana Economic Development’s workforce arm, provides comprehensive support to new and expanding businesses, including project-based recruitment and custom training. By offering these services at no cost to eligible companies, LED FastStart not only facilitates business growth but also enhances the state's workforce development capacity. The program’s collaboration with other state agencies and its role in creating and sharing training resources exemplify a concerted effort to bolster Louisiana’s workforce ecosystem.
The Department of Corrections (DOC) integrates education and reentry programs to reduce recidivism and support community reintegration for formerly incarcerated individuals. Initiatives like the “Return for Good” campaign and partnerships with workforce and social service agencies highlight DOC’s commitment to improving employment outcomes for this population. By focusing on education, skill development, and community connections, DOC plays a vital role in transitioning individuals from incarceration to productive employment, thereby contributing to the state’s workforce and economic stability.
Apprenticeship Program
LWC recognized as the State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA), has focused on improving the effectiveness and efficiency of RAPs by offering individuals career pathways that include paid on-the-job learning, skills acquisition, mentorship, and the earning of transferable credentials.
There are currently 83 RAP Sponsors in Louisiana with 117 programs. Key Industries and Occupations with RAPs include but not limited to Plumbing, Carpentry, Electrical, Insulation, HVAC, Laborers, Millwrights, Painters, Welders, Pipefitter, Ironworkers, Heavy Equipment Operators, Roofers, Information Technology, Manufacturing, Video Production, Barbering, Oil and Gas, Water/Wastewater, Recycling, Process Technology, Refinery Operator, Machinist, Technicians and Mechanics. Industries of new programs include Broadband/Telecommunications, Glass Tech, Healthcare services, K-12 Teacher, Embalmer, Technology, Engineering, Education and Early Childhood Education, Public Service, Manufacturing, Welding, and Automotive. Expanding apprenticeships in Louisiana will benefit both citizens and employers, and show the nation a model for workforce training, economic mobility, and pathways to self-sufficiency.
The RAP created new professional pathways for educators. To meet the growing labor demand and further its initiatives, the LWC is concentrating on enhancing workforce development in tandem with economic development. This strategy aims to diversify the state's economy by building a labor market that is prepared for the jobs of today and of tomorrow, thereby supporting the attraction of new employers in professional and technical fields and promoting a skilled workforce that earns higher wages.
To make Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) and pre-apprenticeship opportunities more accessible to all Louisianans, the state is focusing on expanding RAPs into burgeoning industries and enhancing existing programs by introducing trade-specific pre-apprenticeship options. In addition, LWC aims to recruit a broader range of individuals into RAPs and pre-apprenticeship pathways, including women, youth, and people of color, veterans, and those with disabilities.
Louisiana’s Five Year Registered Apprenticeship Work Plan will drive modernization and improvement, creating increased capacity in developing and expanding RAPs while providing opportunities for job seekers and employers. Each goal will have set deliverables and measurable outcomes to access effectiveness. Louisiana’s strategy will focus on four strategic goals:
- Goal 1: Developing a robust statewide infrastructure and building internal capacity to support the continued growth of RAPs through outreach initiatives.
- Goal 2: Enhancing technology solutions, streamlining case management, and adding mechanisms for enhanced compliance with state and federal policies.
- Goal 3: Expanding Pre-Apprenticeship Pathways and Registered Apprenticeships with a greater focus on individuals and industries historically underrepresented in apprenticeship programs.
- Goal 4: Establishing a unified and systematic approach for developing Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) that leverages demand-driven, data-informed strategies to align with the state's workforce needs and economic objectives, ensuring seamless integration with existing infrastructure, technology, and outreach efforts.
Serving Youth, Aiding Economic Development
Youth Outreach Consultant from LWC and the LWDBs work in partnership with independent school districts across the state to provide career exploration, readiness, and development resources and services. The primary goal of these teams is to help students make informed decisions about what they choose to do beyond a high school diploma. These teams help expose students to a variety of postsecondary pathways as well as explore different industries and occupations. Additionally, these teams help students, families, teachers, and counselors understand how labor market data, occupation options, and different postsecondary pathways could align with a student’s interests, competencies, knowledge, and skills.
In summary, Louisiana’s workforce development strategy, as outlined in this Combined State Plan, reflects a comprehensive and collaborative approach to aligning and strengthening workforce programs across the state. By leveraging the capabilities of partnering agencies, and focusing on integrated service delivery, skill development, and targeted support, Louisiana aims to build a resilient and skilled workforce that can meet the demands of a dynamic labor market and support the state’s long-term economic growth and social inclusion.