As part of an initiative to train and certify the state's workforce, SCC now provides job applicants the opportunity to earn a North Carolina Career Readiness Certificate.

"It helps job applicants prove to employers that they have the foundational skills to begin work and successfully participate in job training programs," said Melissa Myers, SCC career readiness certification testing coordinator. "The state certificate is a recognized credential and can easily be converted to national certification."

CRC not only benefits those looking for a job, but it benefits employers as well, Myers said. "CRC simplifies hiring by streamlining the application process, matches the right person with the job and reduces training time," she said.

The basis of the certificate is ACT's WorkKeys job skill assessment system. It examines the foundational skills needed for virtually every occupation.

"In the last 12 years WorkKeys has been used by thousands of companies, schools and workforce development institutions for employee hiring and development," she said. "Companies that have used WorkKeys have seen reduced turnover among employees, as well as improved productivity and training proficiency."

Myers is getting the word out to job seekers to use the program to increase their employment chances. She's also getting the word out to businesses and industries about how the program can help them evaluate job applicants.

"Career readiness is all about connecting workers to employers," she said.

Workers can earn a certificate by getting qualifying scores on three WorkKeys exams- reading for information, applied mathematics and locating information. These three skills were determined through years of ACT research, according to Myers.

Recipients are awarded certificates of gold, silver and bronze levels, depending on their test scores. The higher the skill levels, the more jobs for which the applicant qualifies.

Bronze signifies that the recipient has the skills for approximately 30 percent of the jobs profiled by WorkKeys in these skill areas. Silver signifies that the recipient possesses skills for approximately 65 percent of jobs while gold signifies that a recipient possesses skills for 85 percent of jobs.

Recipients present their certificates, which list their exam scores and interpretations of these scores, when they apply for jobs.

Myers said the certificates give job seekers an advantage in the interview process and give businesses a way to recognize skilled applicants.

Testing is currently available at the SCC Macon Annex in Franklin. It will become available at other SCC locations as demand for the service increases.

"In addition to testing, SCC also offers free training to help certificate seekers boost their skill levels and obtain a certificate," said Myers.

For more information call SCC at 1.800.447.4091, ext. 426.

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