1 The South Carolina Employability Certificate (CRC) Based on WorkKeys System

2 Employer Message Today's employers are sending the message that they cannot find qualified applicants for many of their job openings, citing reasons such as poor reading, writing, math and basic employment skills. Today's employers are sending the message that they cannot find qualified applicants for many of their job openings, citing reasons such as poor reading, writing, math and basic employment skills. A U.S. Department of Education report echoes the finding, indicating that 7 out of 10 students graduate from high school without completing the courses they need to succeed in college or the workplace. A U.S. Department of Education report echoes the finding, indicating that 7 out of 10 students graduate from high school without completing the courses they need to succeed in college or the workplace.

3 All services are tax supported and provided at “no charge”. Your tax dollars being re-invested in your business. GED Preparation Basic Academic Skills Instruction Family Literacy Programs Online Learning Skill Assessments and Related Instruction, and Allendale County Adult Education (AFLC)

4 (cont) Workplace Essential Skills Instruction For both Pre-hire Applicants and Current Employees with job-specific customized work situations in subjects of: ~Math ~Writing ~Communication~Reading ~Teambuilding~Problem Solving ~Critical Thinking ~Introduction to Computers ~Workplace English as a Second Language

Allendale County Adult Education (AFLC) Allendale County Adult Education (AFLC) Services (cont) Competency-Based Certifications: South Carolina Manufacturing Skills Standards (SCMSS). Targeted instruction to certify students for the SCMSS assessment based on the academic, employability and occupational skills identified by the Associated Industry of South Carolina as necessary for employment in manufacturing sector. South Carolina Employability Certificate (SCEC)), based on the WorkKeys system. Provides targeted instruction to prepare students to take the SCEC ACT WorkKeys assessments. The attainment of a minimum score qualifies a student for the SCEC which is a standardized credential that validates reading, math and locating information skills for specific occupations applicable to all businesses and industries.

6 ACT’s WorkKeys What is WorkKeys? What ACT is to the college community, Act's WorkKeys is to the Business community. What ACT is to the college community, Act's WorkKeys is to the Business community. Standard system used in the business community created by ACT. Standard system used in the business community created by ACT. Allows business to have a common language regarding workplace skills through job profiling, skills assessment, and instructional support. Allows business to have a common language regarding workplace skills through job profiling, skills assessment, and instructional support. Compares the skills of workers with the skills required by the job. Compares the skills of workers with the skills required by the job. ACT’s Occupational Profile Database

7 The South Carolina Employability Certificate (CRC ) What is the CRC? Created to: Provide skill-based credentials to Kentuckians. Provide employers with employees that have documented skills proficiency. Create a pool of certified applicants that employers can hire with confidence. Common metric

8 CRC – Based on the WorkKeys System The South Carolina Employability Certificate is based on three WorkKeys skill areas: Reading for Reading forInformation Applied Mathematics Applied Mathematics Locating Information Locating Information

9 Reading for Information Measures a person’s skill in reading and using work-related information including: Instructions Policies Memos Bulletins Manuals Governmental Regulations

10 Applied Mathematics Measures a person’s skill in using mathematical reasoning to solve work-related problems: Calculating percentages, discounts and mark-ups Performing multiple mathematical operations Calculate perimeters and areas of basic shapes

11 Locating Information Measures a person’s skill in using workplace graphics such as: Diagrams Floor plans Tables Charts Graphs Forms

12 How does an individual earn the CRC? Targeted Instruction Score Level 3 and above Targeted Instruction Receive Certificate Yes Re-take Assessments As Needed No Take Assessment in Three Skill Areas of Math, Reading and Locating Information

Skill Area Applied Mathematics Locating Information Reading for Information 50% of jobs 80% of jobs SilverGold CRC Skill Levels

14 Vision for CRC Employers recognize the CRC as a meaningful credential and have “confidence” in the skills that credential holders possess Citizens recognize the value of the CRC in terms of making them more employable and documenting their skills to employers Public agencies develop a “pool” of certified workers