Work Ready Communities is a national program administered by ACT. Using a test called “Workkeys” ACT measures the skill of workers at different stages of the employment process. There are three categories of workers that need to be tested; emerging, current and transitioning. Emerging workers are generally recent high school graduates, current workers are individuals already employed, and transitioning are those who are looking to reenter the workforce after being out the labor market. Test takers that successfully show competency earn certifications called the National Career Readiness Certificate ranging from bronze, silver, gold and platinum. In addition, ACT required Randolph County to sign up 34 employers to prefer or recognize the value of the certification. In total, 45 employers joined the initiative and 406 individuals earned their NCRC.
“I could not be more proud of the way our community came together to achieve such a big goal.” Bob Riley, Mayor of Moberly said. “This took a lot of effort and years to accomplish, but our team continued to work hard until the job was finished. This certification will tell people what I have always known about Randolph County, it is a great place to do business and our workers are second to none.”
“Randolph County’s recognition as a Work Ready Community helps us validate our workforce to potential investors in the community.” Corey Mehaffy, President of the Moberly Area Economic Development Corporation, said. “We know the value and skill of our workforce, however; this designation gives us the ability to showcase the talent of our workers with a nationally respected and recognized certification.”
At the announcement Governor Nixon stated that Randolph County was the 34th county in Missouri to earn Work Ready status. Prior to the 10:30am public portion of the event, Governor Nixon received a small group of community leaders. In that meeting, he applauded the teamwork showed by Randolph County and stressed the importance of being a Work Ready Community. Notable dignitaries in attendance at the announcement were: Presiding Commissioner John Truesdell, Commissioner Wayne Wilcox, Commissioner Jerry Crutchfield, Mayor Bob Riley, Mayor Pro Tem Herb Lawrence, and Dr. Jeff Lashley of Moberly Area Community College.
"When a county achieves Certified Work Ready Community status, it means they have leveraged the National Career Readiness Certificate to develop a robust workforce needed to attract & retain jobs in their community. Said Cheri Tune, Director of Work Ready Communities with the Missouri Division of Workforce Development. Economic developers have an on demand reporting tool to showcase their talent pipeline. It also demonstrates they have partnerships in place with key community leaders such as economic developers, local elected officials, chamber of commerce, educators, workforce development & business leaders. This proves they work as a team to support business attraction & retention.”
The Moberly Area Economic Development Corporation wishes to thank the many partners who assisted in Randolph County’s designation: Randolph County Commission, City of Moberly, Moberly High School, Westran High School, Higbee High School, Northeast R-IV (Cairo) High School, Moberly Area Community College, Missouri Department of Workforce Development, Northeast Missouri Workforce Investment Board and the Moberly Area Chamber of Commerce.
Moberly Area Economic Development Corporation works to promote financial investment in Randolph, Monroe and Howard Counties. For more information on the organization, please visit their website at moberly-edc.com