North Louisiana ranks in the top three for the largest ACT Work Ready Communities (WRC) coordinated initiative in the nation.
Twelve North Louisiana parishes launched their ACT WRC certification campaigns and branded this combined effort North Louisiana Ready2Work
SHREVEPORT-MONROE, LA ̶ North Louisiana ranks in the top three for the largest ACT Work Ready Communities (WRC) coordinated initiative in the nation. Twelve North Louisiana parishes launched their ACT WRC certification campaigns and branded this combined effort North Louisiana Ready2Work. Two of the 12 parishes, DeSoto and Ouachita have already completed their certification requirements and have been designated an ACT Work Ready Community. The other ten parishes still working toward achieving their certification include Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, Jackson, Lincoln, Morehouse, Richland, Union and Webster Parishes. North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP), an Accredited Economic Development Organization, has been facilitating individual parish efforts with financial support, guidance and the coordination of a June 2019 ACT WRC Bootcamp in Ruston for five of the parishes.
As of Thursday, the three-parish certification effort went live on the ACT Work Ready Communities map. The region will have two years to meet goals related to number of certificates earned in various categories and employers supporting the initiative
The Top Event, held by the North Louisiana Economic Partnership, is an event at which awards are presented to the best in economic development. The TOP of Mind Award is one of the awards given and recognizes programs and projects that provide workers to support current and future employers.
This year’s recipient was North Louisiana Ready2Work of which Morehouse is a part along with multiple surrounding parishes.
In recent years Morehouse joined Northeast Louisiana Ready2Work to help create a bigger network of communities who are work ready. The Ready2Work Program allows parishes to become known as certified work ready through use of the WorkKeys Exam. Morehouse is in the midst of being certified having attained 80% of its goals within the program.
This coalition of 35 organizations is working toward certifying their communities as ACT Work Ready Communities. By following the ACT system of testing and workforce development, Work Ready Communities can measure, improve the skill sets of the workforce and close the skills gaps for existing employers.
