American Job Center offering solutions to Louisiana’s unemployment problem

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – The Louisiana Workforce Commission says 42 percent of all eligible unemployed adults in the state are not seeking employment.

The American Job Center, which has multiple locations in the five-parish region, hopes to change that statistic by providing free resources and getting people started on their job searches.

Crystal Scott, the local area coordinator for the American Job Center, says that searching for a job is itself a full-time job.

“We are able to see a person not know where to go, and then be able to help them maneuver through, getting those resources, and getting a job,” Scott said.

Resources available at the job center include one-on-one appointments with an expert to help job seekers prepare for interviews, build their resumes, and gain networking skills for job fairs.

“We even have some federal funding for those who qualify for job training programs. So if an individual wants to pursue post-secondary education, and if they are eligible, we may be able to assist them with books, tuition, and other supportive services,” Scott said in regards to some of the additional services that the job center offers.

One of the most recent frequent visitors to the job center is Cathrine Thomas, who has been looking for a job since recently moving back to Lake Charles.

“You have to commit to it. You have to be willing to do what it takes, to come get the information,” Thomas said.

Thomas said her age is a major hurdle for her when it comes to landing a job.

“I want people to know that just because we are older, doesn’t mean we have been put out of the pasture. We still have many talents and skills,” she says.

The American Job Center has helped Thomas by making her resume more experience-focused and that has helped her get some replies back.

Thomas encourages others to not give up on their job search.

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