Committee backs bill creating a Louisiana Talent Accelerator office inside LA Works

The House Labor Committee on March 19 reported House Bill 951 with amendments to create an office of a Louisiana Talent Accelerator within LA Works and a business workforce committee to advise the office.

Representative Bamberg, speaking for the bill, said the accelerator will provide employers a single, employer‑facing place to get industry‑aligned workforce solutions and coordinate training across high schools, LCTCS and universities. "Employers want one place to go for comprehensive industry‑aligned workforce solutions," Bamberg said.

Secretary Susie Shown of Louisiana Works described the office as a stand‑alone employer‑facing unit that will reorganize existing staff rather than request new funding, committing to cover staffing needs through attrition. "We are not asking for new funding," Shown said, adding the office will include regional experts and work with local partners so it does not centralize operations in Baton Rouge.

Employers and advocates backed the measure. Alan Martin, chief human resources officer at Bollinger Shipyards, cited Accelerate Mississippi as a model that allowed rapid expansion of training cohorts and said companies had strong demand for trained welders, electricians and other skilled trades. Adam Knapp of Leaders for a Better Louisiana urged the committee to replicate best practices from other states to give employers a coordinated, one‑stop option.

Supporters said the office will help small and midsize businesses compete for workers against large incoming projects. The committee reported HB951 with amendments; the measure moves on to the House floor.