WorkForce Center to offer free career readiness assessment at Morris Public Library
MORRIS -- Is your talent aptitude measure up to what’s needed for a job? Do you have the foundational skills needed to move up in your job? How can you measure the basic skills that 76 percent of all jobs require?
Job seekers and others looking to measure their basic math, English and problem-solving skills are encouraged to come to the Morris Public Library on Tuesday, Feb. 19 from 9 a.m. to noon or 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. to take the National Career Readiness Certificate assessment. Participants who meet basic standards will receive a certificate issued by ACT, the same company that offers college entrance exams. The certificate can then be used as part of a job candidate’s qualifications for work.
“Basically, years ago the ACT folks were challenged: if they could measure how someone’s skills prepares them for college, could they predict how someone’s skills prepares them for a certain job?”said Rick Schara, Business Services Representative for the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, who represents all of Stevens County. “After learning what it takes to do thousands of jobs, they came up with the National Career Readiness Certificate whose results can be matched up with a job.”
There is no cost to taking the online assessment at the Morris Library, but preregistration and adequate computer skills are required. Interested individuals can contact Sam Kuehl in the Alexandria WorkForce Center at(320) 762-7530, e-mail samuel.kuehl@state.mn.us, or speak with any Morris librarian. Participants should understand that if they are unable to successfully complete the assessment, there is an online learning procedure they can use to brush up and increase their reading, math and problem solving skills.
The NCRC will be offered once a month in Morris through April to gauge interest. But the assessment will be brought to groups or individuals can call the Alexandria WorkForce Center and sign up as it is offered there on a weekly basis.
“We also are interested in working with Morris area businesses who wish to use the NCRC as part of their employee selection process or workforce development strategy,” Schara said. “There are several regional businesses who recognize the certificate.” Business representatives who are curious about this talent assessment may stop by the library that Tuesday morning and talk to Sam. Business representatives are also welcome to take the actual assessment to understand more about its potential.
Businesses can contact Schara at(218) 739-7560for more information.
