WorkKeys certifies basic skill levels

Recently the Southeast Missourian has kindly given press to a few programs offered through the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center. I would like to clarify information concerning WorkKeys assessments, a test from ACT Inc. which provides information about a person's ability to use skills in the workplace.

Math is a good example. How often do we hear employers say, "They need more math"? What employers really mean is they need individuals who can use the math they learned in school or in life to be able to solve problems or do a job in the workplace. This ability to use math is what the WorkKeys Applied Math Assessment measures.

Employers do not have individuals report to work and do math problems or algebraic equations all day long. They expect individuals to come to work and be able to do a job and, if they need math to do the job, they expect them to be able to transfer the book learning to the situation.

The situation may be making change as a cashier. That's pretty basic. It may also be figuring how much concrete to order to pour a driveway. That's more complicated. Other WorkKeys assessments in reading, locating information, observation, teamwork, listening, and writing measure how well an individual can use these skills in work situations.

Our goal is to help students gain experience in transferring that book learning to real-life work situations. WorkKeys assessments help measure this.

Several businesses in the area have considered what skills and what level of skills employees need to do a job successfully by participating in job profiling, another part of the WorkKeys system. After profiling a position, businesses use the information by having prospective employees take WorkKeys assessments in the necessary skill areas. If the individual scores at the level the profile indicates is needed to be successful in the job, the individual continues in the hiring process. Businesses have found this to be effective in hiring capable employees.

The WorkKeys system also includes a component where individuals can work to improve their skills. What a perk! Doors are never closed. There is a way to improve skills and to qualify for better positions.

Recently the Missouri Division of Workforce Development chose to use WorkKeys assessments as the means to award Missouri Career Readiness Certificates. These certificates are earned by attaining certain levels in three foundational assessments: Applied mathematics, reading for information, and locating information. Currently, individuals have the opportunity to earn these certificates if they attend a workplace readiness class or if they complete a two-year program at the career and technology center. This year for the first time all seniors at Central High School will have the opportunity to earn this certificate. These certificates indicate to employers how an individual can use what they have learned in school or life in the workplace.

Should you be interested in earning a career readiness certificate or in finding how this program could positively impact your business, call us. We are always happy to help improve the quality of our work force.

Patricia Bratton is the assessment center coordinator at the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center.