BATON ROUGE — Louisiana Works is launching a statewide roadshow to gather regional input on how to build a more modern workforce system across Louisiana.

The series, called Louisiana At Work: Building a Modern Workforce Statewide, kicks off Aug. 26 in Shreveport and will travel across the state through October.

The roadshow comes as Louisiana moves forward with several major workforce initiatives, including a transition toward a unified statewide governance model, the development of a Statewide Talent Strategy and the launch of Talent Works, a new office within Louisiana Works focused on delivering workforce solutions for employers.

"We cannot build a modern workforce system from Baton Rouge alone," said Louisiana Works Secretary Susie Schowen. "Every region has different industries, different workforce needs and different priorities."

"Louisiana At Work gives us the opportunity to hear directly from the people closest to those realities and make sure regional perspectives help shape the work ahead," Schowen said. "Ultimately, this is about creating more pathways for Louisianans to move from dependence to independence and making sure our workforce system helps people and businesses succeed."

Each session will bring together employers, education and workforce leaders, community partners and other regional stakeholders. Louisiana Works leadership will provide an overview of the changes underway while participants share where the current system is working, where challenges remain and what the state should consider as modernization moves forward.

The roadshow follows recent approval from the U.S. Department of Labor for Louisiana to begin transitioning toward a unified statewide workforce governance model. That transition will happen in phases, with Louisiana Works working closely with regional partners to maintain continuity of services and minimize disruption.

After the Aug. 26 stops in Shreveport and Monroe, additional sessions are planned for the New Orleans, Capital, Central Louisiana, Northshore, Acadiana, Southwest Louisiana and Bayou regions. Dates, locations and registration information for future events will be announced as they are finalized.