Employers
Making sure staff have the skills needed to grow the business and stay competitive is a challenge for many business owners. LWDB invests in training programs that help Region 7 companies build a team of employees with the right skills and credentials to help them grow and succeed.
Our Team is Here to Support Your Business
Mark Colwick
Business Services Representative
4000 Viking Dr.
Suite A-1
Bossier City, LA 71111
Phone: (318) 540-9263
[email protected]
Natalie O'Rourke
Youth Business Services Representative (North)
307 N. Homer St.
Suite 307
Ruston, LA 71270
Phone: (318) 517-7557
[email protected]
Kisha Newsome
Youth Business Services Representative (South)
4000 Viking Dr.
Suite B-1
Bossier City, LA 71111
Phone: (318) 963-1514
[email protected]
Business Services
Our Representatives are dedicated to Workforce planning needs of local industries, talent acquisition strategy development, and connecting businesses to talent and resources.
Services Provided:
• Comprehensive understanding of labor market conditions.
• Sector strategies (as defined by WIOA).
• Workforce development activities.
• Workforce skill needs.
• Connections to regional and local business partnership
activities.
Services Include:
• Direct connection to job seekers with the skills and relevant
education.
• Recruitment assistance through hiring events, both in-person
and virtual.
• Strategic retention assistance layoff aversion planning.
• Layoff assistance.
• Providing workforce information, including:
• Labor market data and forecast.
• Tax incentive assistance.
• Human resources best practices.
• Federal Department of Labor Office of Federal Contract
Compliance Programs navigation.
• Connecting with industry groups and economic development
networks.
If you’re interested in any of the programs listed, please submit a request below and a staff member will contact you soon.
Incumbent Worker Training
The Incumbent Worker Training Program (IWTP) creates training partnerships among the LWC, business and industry, and training providers. The IWTP is designed to benefit business and industry by assisting in the skill development of existing employees, thereby increasing employee productivity and company growth. Individual workers who are at risk of being laid off due to outdated skills or credentials can be retrained to use new equipment, follow the new process, or can update job-specific certifications using Incumbent Worker Training funds. The program is funded by a portion of Unemployment Insurance tax contributions dedicated solely for customized training.
Work Experience Program
Work experience is intensive services under WIOA. Work experience is a planned, structured learning experience that takes place on a work site for a limited period of time. Internships and other work experience may be paid or unpaid. Work experience may be within the private for-profit sector, the non-profit sector, or the public sector. The work experience program is a win-win for businesses and entry-level job seekers. Businesses interview and select pre-qualified candidates for entry-level jobs, and CDC’s Work Experience program cover their wages, employment taxes, and worker’s compensation for their first three months of employment (30 to 40 hours per week). Work Experience is provided based on the availability of funding.
Recruiting Activities
Our Business Service Representative works with businesses year-round to help them find the right people for their open jobs. Many times, the business is a new business or is a business that needs to hire a large number of qualified workers to fill open positions. Businesses use our facilities to screen and interview clients. Most of these recruitments require that you have a resume in HiRE, a statewide Internet-based job search system. We can easily help you access HiRE on site so that you are ready for these opportunities.
Customized Training
Businesses with groups of employees who need certifications or specialized training for a specific skill set can turn to CDC for customized training through local educational partners. We understand in-demand skills, which helps us connect businesses with colleges or education providers who are qualified to teach the skills needed. For businesses that qualify, SPDCWDB contributes up to 50% of training costs for existing employees or new hires.
Rapid Response
Rapid Response is an early intervention service that helps workers affected by major layoffs and plant closings qualify for new jobs. WIOA staff will attend orientation sessions hosted by LWC that introduce workers to the re-employment, retraining and support services available to them.
Veterans' Services
Veteran services provide employment assistance and training opportunities to Veterans and other eligible individuals, mainly job assistance, job and training referral and job placement. Our AJCs have Veteran Representatives waiting to assist you.
Test Skills
Have a potential employee with a great resume? Use our assessment testing software for a variety of skills.
If you’re interested, please submit a request below and a staff member will contact you soon.
Labor Market Information
Explore the latest labor market trends with the Louisiana Workforce Commission's online tools. Access data on workforce supply and demand, compare salaries, and evaluate the availability of skilled workers.
Eligible Training Provider
An Eligible Training Provider (ETP) is a training institution that satisfies the requirement of WIOA. As part of the infrastructure to carry out the mandates of WIOA, states are required to maintain a list of training providers and programs that are certified to receive students using WIOA funds. WIOA mandates that the Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDB), in conjunction with the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC), identify training service providers whose performance qualifies them to receive WIOA funds to train job seekers. The ETPL is a list of training programs that WIOA participants must use to select training that can be funded by WIOA. If you are interested in becoming a training provider, you must complete the application process for eligibility.
Some Approved Eligible Training Providers:
• 160 Driving Academy
• Ayers Career College
• Bossier Parish Community College - Bossier, Natchitoches, and Sabine
• Central Louisiana Technical Community College - Sabine Valley
• Diesel Driving Academy, Inc. - Shreveport
• Durham Transport Academy
• Grambling State University
• Louisiana Delta Community College - Ruston Campus
• Louisiana State University at Shreveport
• Louisiana Tech University - Ruston
• North Caddo Medical Center
• Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College - Minden, Mansfield, and Shreveport
• Northwestern State University of LA - Shreveport
• Northwestern State University of LA - Natchitoches
• Rock Bridge Training Institute
• Shreveport Area Electrical JATC
• Shreveport Pipe Trades
• Southern University at Shreveport
On-The-Job Training (OJT)
OJT provides unique opportunities for job seekers who already have some job-related skills, including the opportunity to “learn as they earn.” By participating in training as an employee, the participant acquires new skills and knowledge and receives the same wages and benefits as current employees in the same or similar positions. OJT is a component of WIOA that allows qualified employers to receive a wage subsidy reimbursement for providing on-the-job skills training to eligible WIOA members.
If you’re interested in testing assessment, please submit a request and a staff member will contact you soon.
On-The-Job Training Q&A
Is OJT Right for Your Business?
Our On-the-Job Training Program (OJT) is a “hire-first” program that reimburses a company for the cost of training a new employee. This program is provided at no cost to the business. Companies can use OJTs to hire and train promising job candidates who have some – but not all – of the skills necessary for the job. A well-thought-out training plan is put in place to ensure that the employee has the skills needed to be successful. The OJT program is an efficient way to move new workers more quickly into jobs, provide them with needed skills, and help local businesses to develop and retain the workers whom they need.
What is On-the-Job Training (OJT)?
OJT program helps job seekers re-enter the workforce and give businesses an incentive to hire and train them in full-time, skilled occupations. The OJT program matches businesses with qualified job seekers who are eager to work but need the specialized training only an employer can supply. In exchange, Seventh Planning District Consortium Workforce Development Board agrees to reimburse the business for a portion of their wages to cover part of their training expenses. The SPDCWDB repays the business up to 50% of the trainee’s starting wage for a set period while the trainee masters the required skill.
How Can Employers Get Involved With An OJT Program?
In general, an OJT program will require that a business:
• Have a physical location in Region 7 (LWDA 70) of Louisiana.
• Commit to hiring Region 7 (LWDA 70) residents.
• Keep workers on the payroll for at least one year after they complete the OJT.
• Offer positions in full time employment (32 hours a week).
• Provide wages of a minimum $11.00 for the position (excluding commission, tips, or bonuses toward base salary).
• Complete training in 6 months or less.
How to Apply for the OJT Program?
To apply for the OJT program, businesses can call 318-632-2022 and speak to a Business Services Representative or email.
Contact Us!
If you are interested in any of the recruiting activities above, please fill out the questions below and a staff member will contact you soon!