Following our region's energy, construction and manufacturing industries downturn, many skilled and experienced tradesmen and women are left looking for employment.

The task of looking for open positions, applying for those positions and remaining financially stable has become, for many, a daunting experience. But a contingent of local and state organizations have paired up to assist those who are tirelessly seeking jobs.

AcadianaOpportunity.com is a Web site that combines the resources of six prominent economic, education and workforce companies that can help anyone looking for a job to succeed in countless fields.

The site is a collaborative effort between Louisiana Economic Development, Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA), One Acadiana, Louisiana Workforce Commission along with the two Workforce Development Boards in the region, Louisiana Job Connection, and South Louisiana Community College (SLCC).

“There are numerous opportunities along the I-10 corridor from Lake Charles to Baton Rouge for displaced energy, construction and manufacturing workers and for our businesses,” says Gregg Gothreaux, President and CEO of LEDA. “The Acadiana Workforce Opportunities Initiative is another illustration of the collaborative nature of our community. Our organizations will continue to identify companies who are actively hiring and connect them with our displaced workers.”

“At the same time One Acadiana is recruiting new companies to diversify our regional economy, we’re also focused on protecting our base of companies already here and the workers who provide the backbone of our economy,” says Jason El Koubi, One Acadiana President and CEO. “That’s why we’re working with partners in Acadiana and in neighboring regions to help our displaced oil and gas workers find employment. AcadianaOpportunity.com is a product of these collaborative efforts.”

Users will learn about the job opportunities outside the oil and gas industry and get instructions on applying for unemployment benefits.

Visitors to the site can also access Louisiana Job Connection. This innovative site, designed by Louisiana Economic Development, matches users with available jobs based on their skills and experience. After posting their resume for free, job seekers will start receiving matches. As new jobs are posted, the site will send matches directly to the job seeker, eliminating the need for constant searching.

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