PSRC high school seniors will have an opportunity to obtain nationally recognized skills certificate
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, nearly half of all job openings in the next 10 years will be in middle-skill occupations. These jobs are growing faster, at about 12.7 percent, than high-skill jobs, which are expanding at 7.8 percent rate. This growth will create numerous workforce opportunities.
Robeson Community College is working directly with employers, the public sector and other partners to help ensure economic growth and viability through education, training and technological resources all designed to meet the changing needs of the workforce.
Employers are increasingly concerned with ensuring that both potential and current employees have the skills necessary to flourish in today’s workplace. Employers are focusing more on staffing their workplace with employees that hold a Career Readiness Certificate (CRC). The nationally recognized certificate verifies to employers anywhere in the United State that an individual has essential core employability skills in reading, math and locating information. There are three levels of certificate attainment, bronze, silver, and gold.
RCC has a fully equipped and staffed KeyTrain lab that is designed to help individuals improve their skills in many areas, including those included on the WorkKeys test. RCC offers WorkKeys® testing is scheduled for twice a month and other times as requested.
When employers ask for the National Career Readiness Certificate for jobs in their workplace, they tap into the most qualified labor pool available. Several area companies, not just industry related businesses, are requiring a CRC for employment. Among the local companies requiring or considering implementing a CRC as a pre- employment requirement is Campbell Soup Company, Two Hawk Employment Agency, Hellman Logistics, Dupont, Danaher, Unilever, Southeastern Regional Medical Center and Caring Touch Home Health.
Local law makers and economic development board leaders understand the importance of showcasing a qualified workforce to potential industries and businesses looking to locate to the area. Last week, the Robeson County Board of Commissioners pledged $35,000 to assist the Public Schools of Robeson County with testing all high school seniors. The Commissioners pledge, along with a generous donation of $10,000 from the Lumber River Workforce Development Board will allow graduating seniors in Robeson County to add a CRC to their skills list.
Angela Locklear, RCC’s Continuing Education Human Resource Development Coordinator is excited about the opportunity for the areas graduating seniors to earn a CRC.
“The CRC is especially important to Robeson County for economic purposes. The skill level of our available workforce is often a deciding factor for a new business contemplating coming into the county. They are looking for skills beyond high school. The CRC provides individuals a credential that proves their skill level to enhance employability thus, making them more marketable. As a resident of Robeson County, I, personally extend an enormous thank-you to our County Commissioners and the Lumber River Workforce Development Board approving $45,000 in funds to test our county’s high school seniors so that they can receive their CRC”, says Locklear.
With the allocation of funds by PSRC and LRWFD, Locklear will immediately begin working with school personnel at the six high schools, the Robeson Early College and the Career Center in the county to begin voluntary testing students.
For more information about WorkKeys® testing or CRC, contact Angela Locklear at 272.3613.
