NEW ORLEANS – Employers are hiring more than 2,000 workers a month in the construction craft trades. In order to meet this ongoing need the workforce development system is working to connect local residents to those high-demand, high-wage jobs.
Region One Works and the Louisiana Workforce Commission has developed the Greater New Orleans Construction Connection, an online one-stop shop for construction industry employers and job seekers.
Employers can register at www.RegionOneWorks.net to attend information sessions about the new initiative scheduled for:
• Tuesday, September 29, 2015, at 9:00 a.m. – The St. Tammany Economic Development Foundation in Mandeville
• Tuesday, September 29, 2015, at 3:00 p.m. – The UNO Jefferson Center in Metairie
• Thursday, October 6, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. – The UNO Jefferson Center in Metairie
• Friday, October 7, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. – JEDCO, 700 Churchill Parkway, Fairfield, LA
• LaPlace – Date and Time TBA
“The Construction Connection is about using innovation to connect employers to jobseekers in a vital regional industry,” Melissa Kirsch, Executive Director for the First Planning District Workforce Development Board, said. “We are thrilled to be able to bring this new tool to the region.”
The screening application for job seekers, developed in partnership with employers, contains customized questions and comprehensive list opportunities for more than 20 different construction craft trades. It is open to job seekers with any level of experience, including those with no experience who are willing to learn. Career opportunities include jobs for construction laborers, electricians, flaggers, carpenters, pipe layers, welders, supervisors, and many more. Allyson Villars of Durr Heavy Construction said, “Construction job seekers will be able to apply to multiple employers simultaneously. This is quite an advantage and, as an HR Director, I am happy to see a system that is so user friendly.”
Job seekers should visit www.LouisianaWorks.net and click on “Jobs in Demand” for the Greater New Orleans Region. Job Seekers will provide their employment and educational background and answer industry specific questions about their interests, experience and previous training and credentials held.
Employers with construction job openings can submit an online request for a candidate list at www.RegionOneWorks.net. Staff will work with the employers to generate a list of applicants that meet their specific needs. Already, more than 120 job seekers have submitted applications.
