Oregon promotes career readiness

Oregon officially introduced the National Career Readiness Certificate last month. The certificate demonstrates fundamental abilities in three key areas: applied mathematics, reading for information and locating information.

These three skills are considered important to achieve on-the-job success in most occupations, according to NCRC’s website.

The use of the certificate was being tested in 13 areas throughout the state in 2010, but the NCRC has now become a statewide program. Oregon joins over 30 states in launching this program.

Legislative support came from House Bill 2398, which called for the creation of the Career Readiness Certificate Program through the Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development, according to its website. The program not only provides the business community access to qualified applicants, but also allows workers to document their skills.

Issued by ACT, better known for its college admission examinations, the NCRC compliments the existing WorkKeys system set up by ACT. WorkKeys identifies an applicant’s potential employment options based on interests and abilities, and then helps to provide necessary training for the individual to pursue those opportunities.

The NCRC, however, is essentially a way to streamline the hiring process. It aims to help employers connect with quality employees who possess abilities vital to success in the workplace. The certificate documents and confirms these work skills and helps employers filter applicants.

According to Multnomah County NCRC representative Kim Patterson, the certificate helps employers identify qualified job applicants, and moves them toward the interview process. It also helps potential employees.

“It’s another tool in their arsenal…[and] a big self-esteem booster for job seekers,” she said.

The process is reported to be quick. According to the program’s website, most job applicants can navigate through the program’s steps in just a few weeks.

Individuals then take the proctored assessments at specified facilities, typically WorkSource centers and community colleges, and are awarded certificates—bronze, silver, gold or platinum—according to the scores received on the assessments.

 “The higher the level, the more jobs [for which] you’re qualified,” René Léger, executive director of Employers for Education Excellence, said. “The higher your skill level … will translate to better paying jobs.”  ? 

WorkSource is an employment resource center that aids job seekers in their search for employment. It does this by providing necessary information and resources, such as relevant potential employment opportunities, skill-building workshops and Internet access.

Patterson said that the implementation of the NCRC has reduced “the cost of training employees,” and that “[job] retention rates have gone up.”

Over 4,800 certificates have been awarded in Oregon alone and hundreds of thousands have been issued nationwide.

To further the success of the NCRC, an Implementation Committee has been organized. It includes representatives from organizations such as the Oregon Business Council, NW Natural, Mt. Hood Community College and the Office of the Governor.

Implementation at this point is key.

“All we’re doing [right now] is asking the employer to prefer the NCRC,” Patterson said.

The Portland State Career Center has received no official instruction regarding the NCRC, but is awaiting formal directions. It expects it to be a valuable tool to help students pursue desired occupations.

For more information regarding the Oregon NCRC visit www.oregonncrc.org. ?