JOPLIN, MO.--- Governor Jay Nixon visits Joplin to announce a National First, achieved right here in Jasper County. Governor Nixon announced Jasper County has become designated as the first "Certified Work Ready Community" in the U.S. It's a standard set by the "American College Testing," or ACT Board, that measures an employees readiness and ability to excel in the workforce.
Jasper County Workforce Investment Board leaders have been working with educational institutions and local businesses to secure this honor for more than a year. State and local leaders say this will be a catalyst for economic growth in the area.
"Getting the testing and the competency certification is very important. Employers want to make sure they have workers that know what they are doing and are trained to do it. This makes Jasper County a great place in America to invest dollars," said Governor Jay Nixon, Missouri.
The ACT's "National Career Readiness Certificate" was a major component towards earning this designation, it's a credential that demonstrates a person's achievement of a certain level of employability skills.
In order to earn this designation, Jasper County leaders had to administer the test to a set number of job seekers, and secure 82 partner employers who declare their support of the National Career Readiness Certificate.
Jasper County Workforce Investment Board leaders have been working with educational institutions and local businesses to secure this honor for more than a year. State and local leaders say this will be a catalyst for economic growth in the area.
"Getting the testing and the competency certification is very important. Employers want to make sure they have workers that know what they are doing and are trained to do it. This makes Jasper County a great place in America to invest dollars," said Governor Jay Nixon, Missouri.
The ACT's "National Career Readiness Certificate" was a major component towards earning this designation, it's a credential that demonstrates a person's achievement of a certain level of employability skills.
In order to earn this designation, Jasper County leaders had to administer the test to a set number of job seekers, and secure 82 partner employers who declare their support of the National Career Readiness Certificate.
