Students earn the National Career Readiness Certificate

By Kenna L

Pre-Employment Strategies is a new class offered for the 09-10 school year. In this class, students are provided with the skills necessary to assist in succeeding in a well-rounded career. This class is taught by business teacher DeAnn Lenth and will help the students prepare for the work-world. To further help students prepare, they are earning the National Career Readiness Certificate.

The National Career Readiness Certificate is created by the Workforce Development and was formally called Workkeys. Valley’s class is taking three tests: Applied Math, Locating Info, and Reading for Info. After the students take the tests, results are provided to students to share with current or future employers.

This test and its results are easily understood, and are nationally valued by employers. The results are used for screening, hiring, and promoting, and targeting employee training/development.

Upon taking the test, the students will also receive a grading or a “medal.” This can be either gold, silver, or bronze depending on how well the students do. The students must take all three tests to earn the assessments. To earn a bronze, students must earn at least a level three in the three core areas. For a silver it must be at least a four, and for a gold they must earn at least a level five.

This test is important because it helps the test takers to match their skills with possible careers. It also benefits employers so they are able to asses current and future employees. The students at Valley were able to take this career skills test because of a grant thru NICC. The test will benefit the students now and in the future.