BATON ROUGE — The U.S. Department of Labor has approved Louisiana's plan to move from 15 local workforce boards to a single statewide system.

This change lets the Louisiana Workforce Investment Council take over duties from local boards through June 30, 2028.

Officials said the new system aims to cut down on administrative overlap, set consistent service standards and put more federal funding toward job training and support for workers and employers.

Gov. Jeff Landry said the approval will help Louisiana focus more resources on training and employment.

Louisiana Works Secretary Susana Schowen said the transition will be deliberate and keep services running while working with local leaders and partners.

"We now have an opportunity to design a workforce system around the experience and outcomes of the people and employers it serves," Schowen said in a prepared statement. "We will approach this transition deliberately, maintain continuity of services, and work closely with local leaders, employers, the workforce system, and community partners throughout the process. Our goal is a system that is easier to navigate, more responsive to regional economies, and more focused on helping people prepare for work, enter employment, and advance.”

The plan includes an 18-month Transition Advisory Team and new Regional Workforce Advisory Councils to keep regional needs in focus.

Louisiana also committed to putting at least 60% of certain federal workforce funds into direct services like job training, transportation and childcare.

Louisiana Works will now start the formal process to make these changes, with a phased approach to keep services available during the transition.