WORKFORCE GOALS & OBJECTIVES
GOAL 1 – Enhance Workforce Participation and Engagement
OBJECTIVE
Increase labor force participation rates in parishes like East Feliciana and St. Helena, which face challenges such as aging populations, limited job opportunities, and high unemployment.
ACTION 1.1
- Collaborate with local educational institutions to offer workforce training and adult education programs targeting underemployed and unemployed populations.
ACTION 1.2
Assist in developing outreach programs to re-engage the population not in the labor force, focusing on older workers and those without post-secondary education.
GOAL 2 – Reduce Out-Commuting and Promote Local Employment
OBJECTIVE
Reduce the high out-commuting rates in parishes like St. Helena (70.6%) and West Baton Rouge (63.8%), by creating more local employment opportunities.
ACTION 2.1
Incentivize local businesses to expand and hire locally by offering tax breaks and wage subsidies.
ACTION 2.2
Develop and promote remote work programs for businesses, allowing employees to work closer to home, particularly in rural parishes.
GOAL 3 – Address Workforce Aging and Support Healthcare Services
OBJECTIVE
Tackle the economic strain caused by an aging population in parishes like Pointe Coupee (29% aged 60 and over) by training healthcare workers and providing services to elderly residents.
ACTION 3.1
Expand training programs for healthcare professionals to meet the growing demand for elderly care services in high aging population parishes.
ACTION 3.2
Provide incentives for healthcare providers to establish facilities in rural areas like Pointe Coupee and St. Helena.
GOAL 4 – Improve Transportation and Reduce Commute Times
OBJECTIVE
Reduce long commute times in parishes like West Baton Rouge and Livingston by improving public transportation and creating more local job opportunities.
ACTION 4.1
Expand public transportation options to reduce commute times and improve access to job centers.
ACTION 4.2
Promote carpooling and ride-sharing programs to reduce the burden of long commutes for workers.
GOAL 5 – Expand Workforce in High-Demand Sectors and Industry Clusters
OBJECTIVE
Support growth in high-demand sectors like Health, Construction, Manufacturing, and STEM fields by offering specialized training programs.
ACTION 5.1
Collaborate with local businesses to offer apprenticeships and vocational training in construction and manufacturing, targeting parishes with high location quotients in these industries (e.g., Ascension, Iberville).
ACTION 5.2
Enhance STEM education and career readiness programs to address growing demand for high-skilled workers in sectors like Computer, Engineering, and Science.
ACTION 5.3
Continue to support the Health Sector’ specifically the bioscience industry similar to the REACH Project.
ACTION 5.4
Support workforce development program tailored around nature-based solutions through NOAA’s GulfCorps and Region 7 and 9 Watershed Planning efforts
ACTION 5.5
Develop an ecosystem platform to support and enhance regional entrepreneurship and small business development programs and resources.
GOAL 6 – Promote Workforce Equity and Inclusion
OBJECTIVE
Ensure that workforce development initiatives are inclusive and accessible, particularly for disadvantaged communities and rural populations.
ACTION 6.1
Develop targeted workforce programs for underrepresented groups, including rural communities and low-income populations.
ACTION 6.2
Increase funding for childcare services to support workers with non-traditional hours, enabling more participation in the labor force.
ACTION 6.3
Assist in the capacity of the Capital Region’s technical colleges, universities, and governmental workforce development programs to deliver training relevant for new low-carbon job opportunities, in conjunction with industry partners.
ACTION 6.4
Assist in creating educational and career preparation programs at the K-12 level that can raise awareness about low-carbon industries and equip students with required skills, with a focus on reaching marginalized individuals.
STAKEHOLDERS
Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC), Louisiana Economic Development (LED), Workforce Development Boards, Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS), Four-Year Universities, Local Governments, Local Chambers of Commerce, Industry Partners, Trade Associations, One-Stop Centers, Educational Institutions (K-12, Community Colleges, Universities), Non-Profit Workforce Organizations, Local Healthcare Providers, Public Transit Authorities, Economic Development Agencies, STEM and Technical Training Centers, Apprenticeship and Vocational Training Programs, Business Incubators, Federal and State Workforce Initiatives, Employers in High-Demand Sectors (Construction, Manufacturing, Healthcare, IT, and Energy).