Located in:
- III. Operational Planning Elements
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include an Operational Planning Elements section that supports the State’s strategy and the system-wide vision described in Section II(c) above. Unless otherwise noted, all Operational Planning Elements apply to Combined State Plan partner programs included in the plan as well as to core programs. This section must include—
- a. State Strategy Implementation
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include–
- 2. Implementation of State Strategy
Describe how the lead State agency with responsibility for the administration of each core program or a Combined Plan partner program included in this plan will implement the State’s Strategies identified in Section II(c). above. This must include a description of—
- 2. Implementation of State Strategy
- a. State Strategy Implementation
III. a. 2. E. Partner Engagement with Educational Institutions and other Education and Training Providers.
Describe how the State’s Strategies will engage the State’s community colleges, adult education providers, area career and technical education schools, providers on the State’s eligible training provider list, and other education and training providers, as partners in the workforce development system to create a job-driven education and training system. WIOA section 102(b)(2)(B)(iv). Include how the State’s strategies will enable the State to leverage other Federal, State, and local investments to enhance access to workforce development programs at these institutions.
Current Narrative:
Higher education is not a mandated partner in WIOA, however, the Louisiana Workforce Investment Council membership consists of the state leadership of most of the state’s educational systems, including the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, the Board of Regents of Higher Education and the superintendent of education (K-12).
As stated in Section II (C), Louisiana has developed a shared definition and framework for Career Pathways as a method for the alignment of education, training and work-based learning (apprenticeships, internships) and support services that enable individuals and students to be better prepared to achieve economic independence and family stability. The WIOA partners have continuously organized resources (staff, supports, etc.) around target job-seeker populations and business development using a model that will encourage separate agencies to wrap resources, staff and supports around the customer base.
As referenced in Section II (C) Regional Business and Sector Strategies, the educational partners, particularly the Louisiana Community and Technical College System institutions, are planning cooperatively through Perkins V and WIOA planning to provide workforce skills training and integrated work-based training to meet regional employer and economic development needs. State partners continue to work with local and regional workforce development boards and partners to define and build pathways appropriate to the region. Regularly scheduled meetings continue to occur facilitating collaboration and strategic planning between education, workforce, and economic development state and regional partners. These collaboration efforts continue to yield breakthrough service results for all partners and specifically benefit served populations.
All adult education activities are intrinsically job-driven as foundational skills (reading, writing, math, speaking, listening, employability skills, digital literacy, etc.) are necessary to obtain and retain family sustaining employment. However, in Integrated Education and Training (IET) programming designed and implemented within Louisiana’s AEFLA funded programs, all training must be designed in alignment with regional and local labor market demands. Programs must fit into larger career pathways in high wage, high demand industries and must provide adult learners with opportunities for stackable credentials that are recognized in the labor market. Adult Education is key to improving access to postsecondary credentials. Overall, improved adult foundational skills (literacy, numeracy, etc.) removes barriers to higher education for traditionally underserved populations. Many adults with limited foundational skills come from marginalized communities. Expanded adult education opportunities make higher education more accessible to these individuals, promoting diversity and equity. Adults who have developed strong foundational skills are better equipped to handle the academic demands of higher education. This leads to higher retention and completion rates as students are more likely to succeed in their courses and earn credentials. Additionally, when adult education services are embedded within postsecondary education and training to offer adult career pathways, learners are provided with the academic supports, technical expertise and guidance, career navigation, and wraparound services that are necessary for successful access to postsecondary credentials. This can be offered in a variety of formats – Integrated Education and Training (IET), pre-apprenticeships, and adult dual enrollment in either credit or non-credit postsecondary programs of study.
The state will engage with adult education through a variety of methods. There will be adult education representation on all workforce development boards and taskforces. Additionally, the state will engage with adult education to provide professional development around foundational skills assessment, education, Integrated Education and Training, and the development of adult career pathways.
With the support of LMI and Occupational Forecasting Conference, the Louisiana Workforce Commission’s Star Jobs ratings system was developed. The Star Jobs ratings system provides a ranking of the highest-demand, highest-wage jobs in Louisiana, based on factors such as forecasted employment growth (long-term and short-term), jobs available in the previous year, and wages. Star Jobs ratings are developed and dynamically updated. Since the inception and implementation of Star Jobs ratings, this ranking system has been utilized by educators across Louisiana at all levels.