Four years ago, following the lead of Alabama and Georgia, Louisiana started Louisiana FastStart, a job training program that was free of charge and would prepare a workforce for companies that settled in the state. Since its founding, FastStart has trained more than 13,500 workers and contracted with more than 60 companies. Louisiana is one of only two Southern states that posted net job gains from January 2008 to March 2012. In 2006, according to Chief Executive magazine, Louisiana ranked 47th among states where companies said they wanted to do business. In this year’s survey, Louisiana ranked 13th (up from 27 in 2011).
Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina all placed in the top 10 of the Business Facilities list of the best workforce-training programs with Louisiana on top. The four states trained a combined 70,000 workers, adding a net total of 26,300 manufacturing jobs from January 2011 to January 2012.
The states’ programs all have a number of things in common including, being offered free of charge, and ensuring that the workforce is adequately prepared to take actual jobs that are already available. Tax breaks for the companies are usually included as well.
North Carolina is also offering tax breaks for companies to move to the state. Charlotte recently lured Chiquita from Cincinnati, offering more than $24 million in state and local incentives, as well as the promise of easier travel into and out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
As unemployment remains elevated states that offer incentives to attract companies will benefit. This should also benefit companies looking to open new locations or relocate. This environment should create increased business for any companies offering or facilitating training programs for states.
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