In February of 2007, a comprehensive labor market survey was conducted for the above labor market area. In total, 660 surveys were conducted from a total labor availability of approximately 398,000 people. The results of this survey were compiled into a Labor Market Summary Presentation. Summary highlights of the labor survey are:

• A large pool of available labor exists and most do not currently drive more than 10 minutes to work.
• Many of these potential workers are overtrained and underemployed. This presents a tremendous opportunity to provide people with needed skills and have a large number on hand for industrial prospects.
• Many more need training, and most of those are unaware of that need and what it can mean for them and their families. By educating them on career pathways, industry certifications, the value of specific skills, and how to go about training for those skills, a large number of people can be ready to work for a new company that may be interested in northwest Louisiana.
• Using this information can be helpful to your business in determining where workers live, how they perceive work, and what skills they have and need. The “employee connection” chat box below allows you to post open positions, needed skills, and chat with perspective employees.
• You can also link to the 12 institutions of higher learning in North Louisiana who are members of the Consortium for Education, Research, and Technology, see their program offerings, and communicate your needs with them via the “education connection” chat box on the resources for education page. In addition, the regional School Superintendents Association has posted links to individual parish systems and to the association itself. You can also chat with School System Superintendents and School Board presidents using the “education connection” chat box.

Employer Connection

Use this chat box to communicate with regional education providers about your training needs.