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"In looking at the ACT Work Ready Communities, I can see that they have and are taking the steps to develop a well-trained workforce that has the skill base to satisfy the requirements of my clients. Furthermore, now I know I can count on an ACT Work Ready Community for a good site location."

Pagie Webser, Owner
Webster Global Site Selectors

As workforce development typically focuses on skill and availability, other economic and community development practices can make or break those workforce efforts.  Examples include housing, broadband internet, childcare, and today’s focus in Episode 35, transportation. Abigail Seldin from the Seldon-Haring-Smith Foundation (SHSF) brings us insight on the importance of transit for community college students. We’ll explore the impact of mapping efforts to boost transit options, the interface of public policy, and advice on how to connect these strategies to a Work Ready Community.

The Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) announced the lineup for its Executive Briefing on August 24th. The online event showcases federal initiatives on the use of industry certifications and apprenticeships in workforce development and education. Registration is free and the virtual event runs 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Eastern time). Scheduled speakers include:

• Amy Loyd - Assistant Secretary for Policy and Strategic Initiatives, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, U.S. Department of Education
• Office of Brent Parton - Acting Assistant Secretary, Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor
• Michele Chang - Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce
• MSSC Military Programs: Herb Grant, Vice President Program Execution, The Manufacturing Institute, Heroes Make America (HMA) program, Leslie Kruse, Sr. Manager, Military Programs, MSSC.

The release of episode 34 of Ready for Work marks a milestone at ACT® in the launch of Digital Badges for the WorkKeys® National Career Readiness Certificate® (NCRC®). Guests include Pat Leonard, the VP for Business Development at Credly®, and Neil Reddy, CEO of the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC). Listen in for benefits to working learners, employers, and the full workforce ecosystem. Episode 34 gives a quick overview on the value of badging, best practices for integrating badges for educators and employers, and tips to maximize the online presence of employers and career seekers.

Dr. Suess’ book Oh The Places You Go is a popular gift given to high school graduates, encouraging them on whatever path they take. Those paths in life could include college or the ever-growing workforce. Both of which require a lot of preparation, tests, and certifications. It can feel intimidating doing all of this alone, but luckily the students of Webster County are not alone. With the help of leaders in the community, not only are graduates “work ready”, but now the county is too.

It takes every kind of job needed to properly run a manufacturing facility like RoyOMartin. The 99-year-old family-owned company headquartered in Alexandria is one of the top manufacturers in the South of wood products such as oriented strand board (OSB), plywood, solid wood timbers and boards. RoyOMartin is a partner in education at every level from the WoodWorks program they offer at 20 high schools in Central Louisiana and East Texas to internal training programs like their "Pay for Knowledge and Skills" program for production employees. They are also involved in the elementary and middle school levels as well.

You may be quite familiar with some of the benefits of WorkKeys profiles – such as, to identify the WorkKeys skill levels needed to perform a job or enter into apprenticeship training, or to determine the critical tasks of jobs to develop job descriptions or build training programs.  There are also professional benefits to completing training -- from earning professional development credit for relevant certifications to growing skills applicable to broader workforce development activities. Click the headline for full details.

To illustrate, longtime WorkKeys profiler Lisa Hawk (Director of corporate training and business development, Forsyth Technical Community College, Winston-Salem, NC), said the following: Doing the (profiling) training was the best thing I've ever done in my career because it has opened doors for me I would have never imagined.  I also use that knowledge to secure grant funds, apprenticeship opportunities, and be heavily involved with local, state, and national economic development opportunities. That improves quality of life for my community, state, and nation.

Windows and doors manufacturer Peerless Products, Inc., recently announced it will expand in Nevada, investing $3.5 million and creating 111 new jobs. Peerless’ expansion will increase the company’s production capacity at its existing Nevada facility (Vernon County WRC) used for warehousing, manufacturing, and research and development.

“We have expansions in the manufacturing side of things that we have to develop into and this facility is going to give that opportunity,” said Jeremiah Richards, Innovative Solutions Director for Peerless. “Western Missouri, Eastern Kansas, these are places that have hardworking people that build good quality products."

The Aspire Adult Diploma program held its 2021-2022 graduation ceremony at the Washington County Career Center on Thursday night with friends and family in attendance. The Aspire Adult Diploma program is for Ohio residents that are 20 years of age or older that do not have their high school diploma or equivalency. It provides job training and a pathway for students in the program to earn their high school diploma based on ACT WorkKeys scores. There are classes during the day, at night, and online to accommodate the needs of any of its students. All of the services are free.

Returning citizen populations are a valuable, yet vulnerable, workforce. Unprecedented skill shortages in labor markets across the United States often intersect with a desire for justice system reform that provides pathways for returning citizens to thrive. ACT's new toolkit, Preparing Workforce Ecosystems for Returning Citizen Success, is now available for download.