News

Richard Portelance from EdGate discusses the importance of data in career planning and the need for a lifelong learning repository to support modern with better integrations of profile details. Identifying the fractured nature of current career tools and the necessity for better visualization of career pathways, Richard highlights the role of educational standards and AI’s potential with machine learning to map career pathways efficiently, empowering both learners and advisors. Learn more with episode 53 of ACT's Ready for Work podcast.

The Greater New Orleans Infrastructure Partnership (GNOIP) – a collaborative effort led by Delgado Community College in partnership with Northshore Technical Community College, Nunez Community College, River Parishes Community College, and Greater New Orleans, Inc. – has been awarded $5.75 million by the Department of Labor’s Strengthening Community College initiative. 

Erin Olson, Senior Director of Strategic Research at Real Time Talent, discusses Minnesota’s educational and workforce challenges on episode 51 of ACT's Ready for Work podcast. Despite high labor force participation, Minnesota faces significant racial disparities in education and a talent shortage. Olson highlights the misalignment between workforce needs and available skills, emphasizing the need for strategic partnerships and data-driven solutions. Real Time Talent collaborates with various stakeholders to address these issues, focusing on aligning educational programs with labor market demands and promoting equity. Olson underscores the importance of employer involvement in creating effective workforce solutions and the role of Real Time Talent in facilitating these efforts.

Congratulations to the Work Ready Community of St. James Parrish in Louisiana for topping Site Selection Magazine's recent rankings of America's Best Counties for capital investments and jobs created. Other WRCs that made the list include Ouachita in Arkansas, St. Louis in Missouri, Saluda in South Carolina, and Haywood in Tennessee.

According to Site Selection Magazine, St. James Parish topped the list with projects such as FG LA LLC, a member of Taiwan-based Formosa Plastics Group, investing $9.4 billion in The Sunshine Project, an industrial complex for making chemicals and plastics. About 1,200 people will work at the facility when it’s operational.

Guam Community College will celebrate the 19 completers of its most recent Ship Repair Bootcamp. Sector components included Auto Body Paint (Paint Preservation) and Intro to Diesel Technology & Preventative Maintenance I. Additional training and certification in Heartsaver First Aid, CPR & AED, ACT WorkKeys NCRC, Work Ethics, and OSHA 10 were also successfully completed.

Governor Kathy Hochul and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer today announced significant progress towards the construction of the first phase of the $319 million Edwards Vacuum dry pump manufacturing facility, located at the Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP Mega-Site). Edwards Vacuum is a supporting NCRC employer.

The Mountain Home Area Chamber of Commerce is leading an initiative to make Baxter County a Work Ready Community, with support from Arkansas State University-Mountain Home and the Mountain Home Public School District. Businesses interested in implementing the WorkKeys system can register through the ACT WorkKeys Employer Registration Form. They can also contact Dani Pugsley at the Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce or Becca Camp at Mountain Home Public Schools for more information.

ACT is launching a national WorkKeys study, offering financial incentives for participants who complete WorkKeys assessments. The study runs from August 1 to September 13, 2024, and is open to individuals aged 16 and older who meet specific eligibility criteria. Participants can earn Amazon gift cards and have the chance to obtain the ACT National Career Readiness Certificate. Additionally, programs involved will benefit from free resources and tools to enhance career readiness. 

The relationship between local industry and students in high school is reaping rewards to manufacturers who recognize the value of staying proactive, according to Brian Heffron, administrator of workforce development and community relations at the Center for Instruction, Technology & Innovation (CiTi) and a champion of New York's first certified WRC.

The elite WRC certification indicates a county’s workforce quality and skills, said Lynette Livingston, CVTC provost and vice president of Academic and Student Affairs. Although Eau Claire is the first county in Wisconsin to earn the designation, 559 communities throughout the United States currently are certified.