1. The National Work Readiness Credential Meeting the Demand for 21 st Century Entry-Level Workers

2. A national, portable credential that The National Work Readiness Credential that jobseekers have the knowledge, skills, and abilities they need to succeed in entry-level work in the 21 st Century workplace.  defines,  measures, and  certifies

3.  Focuses on a cross- industry foundation of work-ready skills not specific to an occupation.  Measures what a person can do – not how she or he learns. The National Work Readiness Credential: A sure start on the path to success Lifelong Learning Skills Basic Workplace Skills Basic Workplace Knowledge Basic Employability Skills Advanced Leadership Skills National Work Readiness Credential Basic Work-related Technical Skills Advanced Technical Skills Advanced Business Skills Advanced Interpersonal Skills

4.  Created through a public-private partnership; built to specifications of the business and workforce development systems.  Rigor of design and process ensures the assessment is valid, reliable, and legally defensible.  Assessment supports alignment of all parts of the workforce investment system. Advantages of the National Work Readiness Credential

5.  Development Partners: Florida, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, the District of Columbia, and JA Worldwide (Junior Achievement).  Business Partners: National Association of Manufacturers, National Retail Federation, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. National Work Readiness Credential Development and Business Partners

6. The Need for a Credential

7. Business Defines the Skills Gap  A lack of qualified job applicants ● 69% inadequate basic employability skills ● 32% inadequate reading/writing skills  Skill deficiencies in current employees ● 59% inadequate basic employability ● 32% poor reading/writing skills ● 26% inadequate math skills ● 24% inadequate English language skills ● 22% inability to work in team environment -- The Skills Gap 2001, National Association of Manufacturers

8. The National Work Readiness Credential is a Workforce Solution to America’s Need for a Competitive Workforce Workforce Skills = Productivity

9. A pool of qualified applicants who are ready for job- specific technical training. For Employers 40% of job applicants lack the basic skills necessary to perform entry-level work.

10. For Workforce Investment System A direct link to labor market entry. A common standard of success means programs focus on what’s important. Education & training programs may not teach the soft skills that are a requirement for today’s workplace.

11. Structure of the Credential

12.  Focuses on application of knowledge and skills in work-appropriate settings.  Computer-delivered.  Modular, to make it easy to use and customize to local conditions.  Total length: 2 – 2 ½ hours. ● Each Module is between 30 – 40 minutes long The National Work Readiness Credential

13.  The first nationally valid work readiness credential that addresses the full range of knowledge and skills critical to competent entry- level work.  Based on the Equipped for the Future Standards Facilitates instruction and learning Supports ongoing skill development The National Work Readiness Credential Assessment is…

14.  WR-Read with Understanding: 30 min.  WR-Use Math to Solve Problems: 30 min.  WR-Oral Language Test: 30 min.  WR-Situational Judgment Test: 45 min. Cooperate with Others Resolve Conflict and Negotiate Observe Critically Solve Problems and Make Decisions Take Responsibility for Learning Assessment Modules Include Assessment Modules Include…

15. Work Readiness Credential www.workreadiness.com Resources Chris Myers christopher.myers@labor.state.ny.us