Six questions and answers with Jeff Lynn, who has been hired as the executive director of the new Louisiana FastStart workforce development program.
Question: Give me an example of your work. How does the process of creating and implementing a training program work for a specific company?
We establish a relationship with the company to understand the processes, culture and timelines. We then conduct a “project study” trip to a location that mirrors the operation they plan to build or expand in Louisiana. We document their processes utilizing a task-needs analysis process, and return to develop a detailed draft-training plan for them to review. Once the company reviews the training plan, we begin to develop the customized curriculum. We work with the company’s subject matter experts, and they review our draft materials and confirm the accuracy and then approve. We will then publish the materials and conduct classes when the timing in appropriate.
We also develop customized pre-employment programs that are specifically design for each client and provide a unique recruiting tool to make sure the applicant is the correct fit for the organization.
Q: How can you create a program that's recognized among the best in the country when you're basically starting from scratch?
I think with my experience and the talents of the other existing agencies, Louisiana’s Community and Technical College System and the Louisiana Workforce Commission. Together we can aggressively lay the foundation immediately and build on it each day. Governor (Bobby) Jindal’s workforce development plans excited me. His plans are right on target, and for us to be successful, I must be extremely aggressive and deliver results immediately. We will build a world-class team of people to tackle the issues we face today. Also, it is critical that our clients think of us as business- and results-oriented. We will operate 24/7.
Q: Education is a big issue here. Can your program succeed without a large pool of educated, available workers?
Each company has different levels of educational requirements. Our program is uniquely flexible, and we can adjust to any labor market or company requirements.
Q: How do you recruit talented employees to Louisiana?
Governor Jindal and (LED) Secretary (Stephen) Moret have significant plans for this state that would excite anyone in my business. This, along with the excitement of starting a new program from scratch, is a golden opportunity for people that love to be challenged daily. I also have many years in the business with ample contacts that desire to work with me in the great state of Louisiana.
Q: Name a few companies that came to Georgia that you believe would not have come without the Quick Start program in place.
Toyo Tire is the most recent company. This was a very competitive project between Georgia and Alabama. The Japanese executive board requested a meeting with me before they made their final decision. I explained what I would do if the company was mine. Their consultants agreed, and we were off to Japan to perform the project study.
Q: Is there a particular industry that would not have flourished in Georgia without Quick Start?
Quick Start has been very successful in numerous industries. Working with hundreds of companies each year, you learn to be able to tell a lot about a company once you enter their doors. We find the most successful companies, invest the appropriate time to select the best candidates and provide world-class training programs for them.
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