In July 2007, RochesterWorks purchased an assessment tool created by ACT that assesses individuals on foundational skills in three core areas, Reading for Information, Applied Mathematics, and Locating Information. These skills are required for over 90% of today’s occupations.  

Individuals meeting minimum scores are eligible to obtain a Career Readiness Credential (CRC), a nationally recognized credential that employers all over the country use as part of their recruitment and staff development processes.  There are three levels a participant can achieve, Bronze, Silver, and Gold, and each level represents the skill level needed to perform well on the job and prove that they have the foundational skills to learn new skills and possibly move up the career ladder within their occupation.
 
As of June 2009, RochesterWorks has assessed over 700 job seekers, with 82% having achieved a credential.

RochesterWorks has made several contacts with employers to initiate a relationship to use WorkKeys test as part of their recruitment process, and one of those employers is Jamestown Container.  This employer has incorporated WorkKeys testing within their job postings which indicates to interested applicants the required CRC level along with the additional skills sets required for the position. The applicant is instructed to come to the RochesterWorks Career Center to complete the three hour assessment.  This employer has hired 21 individuals as a result of this collaboration.
 

In October 2008, RochesterWorks! received a grant through Workforce Innovation Regional Economic Development (WIRED) to implement the Career Readiness Credential for the Finger Lakes and GLOW regions. The grant focuses on a Regional Skills Alliance approach and using WorkKeys and KeyTrain as a piece in identifying skill levels and skill gaps. Using Monroe County’s process, this grant was geared towards marketing the CRC to businesses and job seekers.  Both areas successfully implemented the tool and are actively marketing the CRC.  Each region has secured one employer and conducted assessment testing for entry level positions.  Several hires have been a result of this initiative.  In addition to the employer contacts, this initiative has created interest among schools, recruitment agencies, and various programs dedicated to stimulating economic development.  This project has also been successful in engaging employers and finding out what they see as challenges in their recruitment process and retention.  
 
Employer breakfasts were held for Monroe, GLOW and Finger Lakes Counties where WorkKeys was introduced and was well received. Monroe County then held a luncheon specifically focused on WorkKeys and how RochesterWorks! can assist with the assessment process when looking for new hires.  Attending this event were Monroe County employers, training providers, and recruitment firms.  

Not only is this assessment program a benefit to employers, individuals who take the assessment find a level of satisfaction and accomplishment once they discover that they achieved a certain CRC level.  Those candidates who do not achieve a desired level, work on KeyTrain and then increase their level of confidence which may have been diminished due to the current economic conditions.   

8/09