NOV27, 2018-Franklin Co ACT WRC Update
WESSON – In September 2017, Franklin County launched its ACT® Work Ready Community Initiative as an economic development effort for the area. The initiative strategy benefits all aspects of the workforce in a participating community. Business and industry profit as they can distinguish exactly what foundational skills they need for a productive workforce, enabling efficient communication of their needs. Individuals learn and understand what skills employers require and how to prepare themselves for successful employment. Educators have the data they need to close the skills gap. Economic developers use an on-demand reporting tool to market the quality of the area workforce.
The entire process hinges on individuals taking the ACT® WorkKeys® Assessment that measures their skills and abilities, and earning an ACT® WorkKeys® National Career Readiness Certificate® (ACT® WorkKeys® NCRC®). Individuals can earn the ACT® WorkKeys® NCRC® at the Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze level, based on their scores on three core tests: Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents. Documented skills using the NCRC® give job seekers an advantage in launching or advancing careers no matter the location.
At the date of publication, Franklin County has attained 194 ACT® WorkKeys® NCRCs® which is 86 percent of the goals set by ACT®. The greatest need of assessment takers are among the members of the workforce considered as transitioning, which includes individuals who are unemployed, or a recent veteran, or participating in an adult education program. To reach the designation of Work Ready Community, Franklin County needs only seventeen transitioning individuals to take the ACT® WorkKeys® NCRC® and earn their NCRC.
Copiah-Lincoln Community College Workforce Education is offering assessment opportunities December 8 and 15 at the Upper Elementary School, 409 Highway 98 East, Meadville, MS 39653. Individuals may choose the best date for their schedule. The assessment will take approximately three hours. Testing will begin at 9 a.m. on both dates. First time assessments are free and those interested in participating must register by calling Co-Lin at 601.643.8707.
The concept of an ACT Work Ready Region Initiative within the College district was appealing as the advantages were clear. Communities can achieve more by working together, efficiently using and leveraging limited resources. To date, the Co-Lin ACT Work Ready Region Initiative has seen four of seven counties earn designations and Franklin County is well on the way.
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About ACT & ACT Workforce Solutions:
ACT® WorkKeys® Assessments have been used for more than two decades to measure essential workplace skills and help people build career pathways. Successful completion of three WorkKeys Assessments—WorkKeys Applied Math, WorkKeys Workplace Documents, and WorkKeys Graphic Literacy—can help an individual earn an ACT® WorkKeys® National Career Readiness Certificate® (NCRC®), a portable credential that documents essential work skills. More than four million WorkKeys NCRCs have been issued across the United States. More information about the ACT WorkKeys and ACT Work Ready Communities is located at https://www.workreadycommunities.org/employers. Additionally, Franklin County progress is available at https://www.workreadycommunities.org/MS/037.
About Copiah-Lincoln Community College Workforce
The Workforce Division at Copiah-Lincoln Community College exists to provide skills to current and future employees desiring to acquire skills necessary for their career no matter their age, background, or skill set. Training is available in various forms and accommodates a wide audience in the CLCC District, which includes Adams, Copiah, Franklin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lincoln, and Simpson counties. Individuals benefit from affordable, short-term, non-credit, workforce training classes that provide new or enhanced skills needed to enter a new field or re-enter with upgraded skills. Employers who enter a partnership with (CLCC) Workforce Education may receive custom, affordable job-training to address the unique needs of the organization, including but not limited to safety, computer, and soft skills. Training sessions are available at CLCC facilities or at the industry location.
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