Executive Director, Workforce Solutions Capital Area Workforce Board
The most common complaint from employers in regards to job applicants is the lack of good “work ethics and habits.” Countless times we’ve heard an employer say “just send me someone who knows how to show up to work, follows instructions, and is willing to learn and we’ll train them.”
Work Ready Austin is a joint initiative of AHRMA and Workforce Solutions Capital Area to address this basic need. Work Ready Austin provides skill development in the areas of foundational skills (reading and math) and basic work skills (attitude, teamwork, problem-solving, interpersonal relations, communication, etc.). Upon successful completion of the program, participants earn a certificate signifying that they have met required competency levels in all areas of learning.
Work Ready Austin isn’t the panacea or cure-all for this malady of un-prepared workers, but it is a step in the right direction. The certification, while not a guarantee, at least lets an employer know that the individual has gone through training and has been assessed as meeting minimal standards.
A growing number of area employers are using the Work Ready Austin certification as part of their hiring process. Job seekers possessing the certification have an edge over those who do not. The jury on its effectiveness is still out, put it is a promising practice and a step in the right direction.
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Our many thanks to Alan Miller for his contribution to AHRMA and "We Are Austin HR."
If you want to learn more about the joint efforts of AHRMA and Workforce Solutions to launch this system that prepares, assesses and certifies the work readiness skills of entry-level job applicants, please come hear Alan speak live on May 23 at 1:15pm during AHRMA's Workforce Readiness Day.
Click HERE to register.
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