• MISSOURI UPDATE

Certified Work Ready Communities Overview

State driven--led nationally by ACT-Workforce Division-Missouri one of the 1st 4 states in the nation chosen to participate in 2012 Today, 1 of 24 states participating

States will use NCRC (National Career Readiness Certificate) to skill up workforce

Employers will partner to help build talent pipeline and drive growth

Local counties will have verifiable data to validate the quality of their workforce

CWRC provides a Consistent National Framework

Missouri Snapshot - Almost 63,000 NCRC’s statewide, over 3Million

nationally64 counties now participating

Almost 2600 employers recognizing

18 CERTIFIED COUNTIES

Adair, Barry, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Chariton, Franklin, Henry, Jasper, Jefferson, Linn, Newton, Pettis, Ripley, Saline, St Francois, Vernon, Livingston, Grundy

What does the Certified Work Ready Communities initiative do?

Link workforce development to education

Align skills with the economic development needs of communities

Match individuals to jobs based on skill levels.

What’s in it for Key Stakeholders…

Economic Developers and Community Leaders can quantify the skill level of their workforce

Businesses and industry benefit from a workforce with the foundational skills to be productive

What’s in it for Key Stakeholders

Individuals understand what skills are required by employers and how to prepare themselves

Helps Educators measure skill gaps of students and build career pathways that benefit both, individuals and business

Benefits for Economic Developers?

#1 Reason a business would locate to a community is available skilled labor

Drives economic competitiveness Demonstrate Missouri’s qualified workforce

Provide more opportunities for employment in Missouri.

Benefits of CWRCEconomic Development ToolStronger skilled workforceMakes Missouri more attractive to

developersTax Base Increase

Expansion of existing businesses Moving new businesses to Missouri

Encourages businesses to stayKeeps employers from moving entry-

level jobs to other cities, states, or countries

Decreases unemployment rates

Community Criteria

County certification is based primarily on the number of National Career Readiness Certificates (NCRC) attained in specific and distinct workforce categories, as well as # of supporting businesses. (based on 2010 census)

Transitional-unemployed workers/job seekers

Emerging- Graduating studentsCurrent workforce

Veterans (Missouri tracking)

What is an NCRC? An NCRC is

Evidence-based Industry-recognized Portable credential Certifies essential

skills important for workplace success

Awarded at four levels:

Bronze Silver Gold Platinum

NCRCDocuments these Skills

Reading for Information Measures skill used when reading written text

Applied Mathematics Measures skill in applying mathematical reasoning, critical

thinking and problem-solving techniques

Locating Information Measures skill in working with workplace graphics to find

and analyze information

Certificate Levels

*Approximate percentage based on jobs in the WorkKeys occupational profile database.

Certificates are awarded by achieving

a minimum

Level 3score on all

assessments

Level 4score on all

assessments

Level 5score on all

assessments

Level 6score on all

assessments

Skill levels demonstrate

ability for*

16% of jobs

67% of jobs

93% of jobs

99% of jobs

Sample Occupation Correlation

• Auto Body Repair Technician • Veterinary

Assistant • Janitorial

Supervisor • Drywall Installer• Pharmacy Aid

• Administrative Manager • Head Cook• Medical Assistant• Engineering

Technician• Machinist

• School Counselor • Pharmacy

Technician • Semi-Conductor

Processor • Business

Executive • Electrician

• Accountant • Technical Writer • Sales Manager • Registered Nurse

Manager• Elevator Installer

and Repairer

Takes guesswork out of hiring for the employer

Reduces turnover costReduces training time and costsIncreases productivity

Benefits to Employers

Evidence based

“The National Career Readiness Certificate will make the hiring process smoother and more efficient. It will provide effective measure of the applicant’s fundamental skills, and give the employer an assessment for potential success. Today’s economy demands a tool which ensures job seekers have the right stuff to succeed.”

Daniel P. Mehan, President/CEO, Missouri State Chamber of Commerce

Where do job seekers or students earn an NCRC?

Missouri Career Centers ― no cost for 18 or older

Community Colleges & Vocational Technical Schools ― using WorkKeys to assess graduating students; NCRC to assist in the job search

Many Missouri High Schools now testing their Juniors & Seniors. Some using it as an entry/exit exam to gauge proficiency—(work with Mo Job Center near you or area Community College

Funding available presently to assist with under 18 testing

For Additional Information

Workreadycommunities.org

http://www.ded.mo.gov/getcertified

Cheri.tune@ded.mo.govOr call (573) 522-2744

Cheri Tune, Director CWRC