On Tuesday, July 17, a number of business leaders and elected officials gathered at Market Café to receive an update on the ACT WorkKeys in Winston County. Glen Haab Executive Director at the Winston County Economic Development District Partnership, reported that the county is in the process of becoming a certified county and is moving in the right direction.
As the manufacturing and business world becomes more competitive it is beneficial for a community to be able to tell its own story concerning its work force, thereby offering opportunities to attract businesses to its location. One of the tools available is ACT WorkKeys.
The ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) is an assessment-based credential issued at four levels: bronze, silver, gold and platinum. These credentials are based on concrete proof of skills.
Haab stated that in the world of economic development, dealing with site consultants, it is important to be able to offer proof of work force capabilities. For instance, if a company needs 10 people who have a gold certification, the WorkKeys program will show how many people there are with such a certificate in the community.
Haab reported that Winston County is about 94% toward the goal of becoming a certified county, lacking only a couple of things: the emerging student sector (in school) and employer support. Haab stated the goal is to have at least 17 employers on board with the program, and currently have 16.
Haab added that he is very pleased with the response from the Louisville Municipal School District, stating that they have been more than willing to help in any way possible.
Haab also stated that in the East Central Mississippi area, Winston County is on par or above the surrounding counties.
