Smart Workforce Solutions

Work Readiness Assessments & Credentials

Southwest Missouri’s Workforce Investment Board (the organization that provides strategic planning and oversight for the Career Centers) assembled a solid understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the region’s workforce. When focusing on skill gaps, a special consortium task force of the WIB identified areas of improvement for soft skills and employability for the local workforce.

The Work Readiness Credential has been developed to provide a national, portable assessment-based certification that affirms individual jobseekers have demonstrated the foundation knowledge and skills that are needed for successful performance as entry-level workers. The credential is designed to address the pertinent skill gaps identified in the first rung of the career ladder.

Application of this credential in Southwest Missouri will help meet significant demands for quality and quantity of entry-level workers in Advanced Manufacturing and Healthcare. Furthermore, it will establish a standard for work readiness in all facets of the economy over time.

Powered by WorkKeys, the new Career Readiness Credential will align with occupational assessments provided to the Career Center’s business customers to create powerful results in recruiting and retaining qualified job candidates. The credential project can also be applied to a company’s existing workforce to increase productivity and boost performance for the business.

Click here for more information on the caliber and portability of the new credential throughout Missouri as a whole.