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ACT has developed an interactive database to view and compare occupation types according to the levels of contact needed to perform the jobs in each occupation. The dashboard uses O*NET skills data to define "high contact" occupations that have a high level of Physical proximity, Face-to-face discussion, or Contact with others. Economic and workforce developers can use the tool to determine which occupations have likely been impacted by pandemic-related layoffs, and which might be impacted in the future.

As part of their Workforce Rally webinar series, the University of Missouri Extension will host “Work Ready System Recovery for COVID-Resilient Workforce Ecosystems” on May 13.

Regional workforce ecosystems must retool for the future following the pandemic. In this Zoom workshop, ACT Workforce Solutions and Work Ready Communities will help participants navigate challenging times and prepare for inevitable impacts on communities. Hear from WRC champions around the nation on efforts they’ve implemented to help move the dial in overcoming these challenges.

As a pandemic impacts communities everywhere, regional workforce ecosystems must implement reemployment strategies to become more adaptable. Hear stories of resilience happening real-time. Check out Episode 21 of Ready for Work on our podcast page.

The Southwest Region of Tennessee, in conjunction with The National Rural Education Association and the Tennessee Board of Regents, has developed the Career Resource Network to help strengthen economic development in rural communities within the region. This regional digital portal provides one-stop access to resources and tools for school, staff, parents, and students in Chester, Henderson, Decatur and Perry regions.

Latanza presented at the 2020 Annual ACT Conference on Preble County’s ACT Work Ready Community goals and status. The partnership also maintained their ACT Work Ready Communities status in March of 2020.

In 2020, we will continue with our signature programs for developing community leadership through Leadership Iberia, the FireStarter Project, and INSPIRE as well we remain active in local, state, and federal public policy issues.

WRC Use Cases and Impact Scenarios for use in Work Ready Communities Boot Camp

Mississippi’s Smart Start program generates adult education completers with their high school equivalencies, career credentials, and college credit. Brownwyn Robertson is a Project Specialist with Smart Start inside the Office of Adult Education of Mississippi’s Community College Board. ACT’s WorkKeys Curriculum is one of the solutions that pulls together the learning content of Smart Start. Episode 20 of Ready for Work digs deeper into what makes Mississippi Smart Start successful.

The Washington County Economic Alliance took top honors for its Opportunity Youth Training Program in the Community Economic Development Award from the Mississippi Economic Development Council. Breaking barriers and fulfilling potential is the mission of the program, which equips local youth with training toward career and sector certifications.