The latest legislative session in Louisiana was a productive one. Will Green is President and CEO of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry and says he’s enthusiastic about some of the most recent developments out of Baton Rouge, specifically those focusing on new career pathways within the state of Louisiana.
“We came into this session with our members wanting to prioritize ‘cradle to career’ pathways as we continue to attract historic amounts of investment,” emphasized Green. He went on to add that he believes the state’s greatest competitive advantage is a skilled, job-ready workforce and he hopes to bolster that moving forward with these initiatives.
So, what does ‘cradle to career’ mean? Green describes the effort as a comprehensive approach to better preparing the state’s workforce (both young and old) for the potential career pathways that lie ahead right here at home. Those potential pathways to work include internships, which the CEO says are crucial to building valuable skills and connections.
“There are a lot of misconceptions about internships and apprenticeship. For that reason, in August, we’re going to have an FAQ summit at our office to dispel some of the myths and misunderstandings about internships and apprenticeships,” emphasized Green.
He went on to encourage business owners in the area to look into tax credits that are available for those who take on apprentices and interns. He also says interns gain crucial work experience and make connections that could be invaluable moving forward
Green says many members of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry tell him that a great number of freshly hired employees seem under-prepared for their jobs. He also knows that a large number of the working age population in Louisiana needs to be up-skilled or re-skilled as the economic landscape and technology shift over time. He believes the funding put in place within the latest legislative session will go a long way in connecting business owners with properly trained employees, helping to keep the state’s economy rolling in a positive direction.
Ultimately, Green wants workers of all ages to realize that there are non-traditional avenues to meaningful work in Louisiana. As many residents have decided to forego traditional four-year college degrees, he believes it's more crucial than ever to showcase the myriad ways workers can build a solid income and a comfortable life without moving out of state.
As investment in the state grows, a well-trained workforce is crucial
As investment in the state grows, a well-trained workforce is crucial
