Employing Gulf Coast Residents in Coastal Restoration Projects

Limitless Vistas, Inc. and AECOM announce plan to train and employ at-risk youth in Gulf Coast ecosystem restoration projects

AECOM will assist with the development of suitable coastal restoration job training curriculum and endeavor to provide access to internships and job opportunities for LVI graduates. The pilot training program will emphasize various elements of environmental fieldwork and begin in 2014.

“Economists believe the RESTORE Act could create more than 57,600 Gulf Coast jobs in the coming years driving new demand for skilled workers,” says Jeffrey Buchanan, senior domestic policy advisor for Oxfam America, a global development organization, which helped to fund the new pilot training work. “It’s very exciting that a company like AECOM, with their resources and expertise, has expressed such an interest in helping nonprofits and at-risk workers to connect the dots between training programs and real jobs.”

LVI’s coastal restoration job training program enjoys the support of several organizations, including the EPA, Oxfam America, the Corps Network, the City of New Orleans, and BFA. The Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program and Jean Lafitte National Park have also agreed to provide project access and material support. Moreover, the Corps Network, through funding from the Walton Family Foundation, has pledged to help build capacity for LVI and other Gulf Coast conservation corps in the coming years.

About LVI

Limitless Vistas, Inc. (LVI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing, environmental and related fields – job training to marginalized and often disconnected young adults.  LVI was founded in 2006 in New Orleans and since that time has trained over 350 young adults as entry-level environmental technicians.  As a member of the 21^st Century Conservation and Service Corps, LVI is committed the belief that through working to preserve and protect our environment young adults will be reconnected to society, additionally, a strong link is maintained between the needs of industry and the skills training/work readiness services provided.  LVI currently operates in Louisiana and Florida. More information about Limitless Vistas, Inc. can be found at www.limitlessvistas.org.

About AECOM

AECOM is a global provider of professional technical and management support services to a broad range of markets, including transportation, facilities, environmental, energy, water and government.  With approximately 45,000 employees around the world, AECOM is a leader in all of the key markets that it serves.  AECOM provides a blend of global reach, local knowledge, innovation and technical excellence in delivering solutions that create, enhance and sustain the world’s built, natural, and social environments.  A Fortune 500 company, AECOM serves clients in more than 140 countries and had revenue of $8.2 billion during the 12 months ended Sept. 30, 2013.  More information on AECOM and its services can be found at www.aecom.com.

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