JAN13, 2020-Jefferson Co.: ACT Work Ready Community

In September, Jefferson County attained status as an ACT® Work Ready Community due to the hard work of county leaders and educators, as well as Copiah-Lincoln Community College. Local employers also joined the undertaking by recognizing or recommending job applicants earn their National Career Readiness Certificate® (NCRC®). More than four million WorkKeys® NCRCs® have been issued across the United States with Jefferson County adding to that number daily. Community support is a vital component for counties to reach their assigned ACT Work Ready Community goals.

The benefits of ACT® recognition includes a measurement of area workforce and economic development needs. Additionally, this status will serve prospective employers as an indicator of the county as a worthwhile site selection, and contribute to the overall competitiveness of the region. Jefferson County is one of the seven counties in South Central and Southwest Mississippi that comprises the Copiah-Lincoln Community College district and is part of the college’s regional initiative to see all district counties achieve this standard of work readiness.

“Jefferson County is elated that we met our ACT Ready status and could not have done it without the dedicated support of Copiah Lincoln Community College,” said Jefferson County Administrator Brenda Buck. “With our county ranking number one in the highest unemployment in the state for four quarters, this status will provide a wealth of opportunities for our citizens and future economic development opportunities as well.”

Looking forward, during phase two of this process the county will continue pursuing growth and maintenance goals in order to retain certification. Fortunately, 80 percent of the goals are met, so recertification in 2021 should come easily. In 2020, Jefferson County will be recognized for its Work Ready status at the National ACT® Work Ready Summit.

Currently, all seven counties in the Co-Lin district are certified, which carries the additional designation of Work Ready Region.

Assessment sites are readily available at the Natchez WIN Job Center and Copiah-Lincoln Community College’s Wesson Campus. Individuals interested in taking the assessment should call 601.643.8712 to schedule an appointment on the Wesson Campus or contact the Natchez WIN Job Center at 601.442.0243.