Four of 20 slots are unfilled for a program that will provide area employers with free workplace assessments and credentials.

"Tomorrow's Workforce Now" is a national initiative from ACT, Inc. that provides free testing to thousands of employers and tens of thousands of individuals. Central Louisiana Technical Community College, Central Louisiana Economic Development Alliance and the Orchard Foundation are partnering on the effort locally.

"There is an extensive skills gap that exists locally, but extends in every direction throughout this nation," said Michael Elam, interim chancellor of CLTCC.

"Here in Cenla, we have decided to work together and take the necessary steps toward closing that gap."

"This gives us another important tool to assist Central Louisiana's businesses in finding and developing skilled workers," said Jim Clinton, president of CLEDA. "A strong, solutions-oriented relationship between (CLTCC) and the region's industries is critical to our growth and prosperity."

Under the initiative, CLTCC will administer ACT's National Career Readiness Certificate Plus to up to 20 employees or applicants of 20 area employers.

NCRC is a credential that measures skills critical to job success. Included in the assessment are technical skills such as math and the ability to locate information and "soft skills" such as dependability, communication, perseverance and enthusiasm.

According to Marjorie Taylor, executive director of the Orchard Foundation, more than 2,700 people in Central Louisiana have achieved NCRC certification.

While employers get an assessment of their employees or applicants and individuals can earn the valuable NCRC Plus credential, ACT is hoping to cull key data about the gap between where American workers are in terms of workplace skills and where they need to be.

"Competing in the 21st Century requires a dynamic means of measuring an individual's skills and aligning them to the responsibility of tomorrow's jobs," said Jon Whitmore, chief executive officer of ACT, Inc.

Area employers committed to participate in the program locally include AFCO Industries, Bunkie General, Diamond B Construction, Dis-Tran, Gilchrist Construction, Hayes manufacturing, La Jagu, Kerotest, Mid-State Supply, Quality Tire and Automobile Services, Rapides Regional Medical Center, Remedy Intelligent Staffing, Riverland Medical Center and Martin Companies.

Companies interested in participating can call Marvinette Holly, dean of workforce at CLTCC, at (318) 487-5443, ext. 1148.