High school students who plan to enter workforce training programs after they graduate need academic skills similar to those needed by students planning to enter college, according to a new study conducted by ACT. The findings suggest that the math and reading skills needed to be ready for success in workforce training programs are comparable to those needed for success in the first year of college.
State Launches Skills Assessment and Certification Program
Within today's global economy, finding and keeping a job requires higher skill levels than ever before. Employers want workers with documented skills based on the "real world" of any work place from a welding shop to a hospital.
The Governor's Council for Workforce and Economic Development (GCWED) and many of its partner agencies rolled out a system of assessment and certification designed to meet the needs of both employees and employers.
The program involves the following:
To date, the initiative involves the assessment of thousands of potential and incumbent employees and hundreds of pre-assessment, assessment, and training sites across the state.
How it Works: WorkKeys Assessment and Oklahoma Career Readiness Certificates
Designed by ACT, the company that developed the ACT Assessment college entrance exam, WorkKeys measures communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills valuable to any occupation--skilled or professional--and at any level of education.
Assessment sites can be found across the state on college campuses, One-Stop sites, CareerTech centers, etc. Individuals' assessments and scores are recorded and housed in a secure database. Depending on their scores, potential or incumbent employees are awarded a gold, silver or bronze Oklahoma Career Readiness Certificate.
These portable skills credentials, which are easily and nationally recognized, can be used to facilitate job placement, retention, and advancement in our mobile society.
For more information or to find out how your business, agency, or organization can participate in the WorkKeys/Oklahoma Career Readiness project, contact Susan Kuzmic, 405-809-3582.
For more information follow the links below:
WorkKeys/Oklahoma Career Readiness for Employers
WorkKeys/Oklahoma Career Readiness for Employees
Oklahoma Job Link (Workforce Oklahoma)
WorkKeys Case Study: Chickasha High School
WorkKeys Case Study: Metzeler Automotive Profiling Systems
WorkKeys Case Study: Pioneer Technology Center
WorkKeys Case Study: Solo Cup Company
WorkKeys Case Study: WestOak Industries

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