A New Test for ACT: Testing Company Launches Model for Certifying Workers and Closing Skills Gap

WASHINGTON, Jan. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --

WHAT: Press Conference announcing the launch of the ACT Certified Work Ready Communities (CWRC) Initiative in four states and launch of the National Workforce Solutions Advisory Board

DATE: Monday, January 23, 2012
10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: National Press Club
Zenger Room, 13th Floor
529 14th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20045

SPEAKERS: Former Governor Sonny Perdue, Chair, National Workforce Solutions Advisory Board
Martin Scaglione, President, Workforce Development Division, ACT
Jim Gibbons, CEO, Goodwill Industries International, Inc.
Lenny Mendonca, Director of Firm Knowledge, McKinsey and Company

Significant foundational skills gaps exist for United States workers and job seekers. There exists a mismatch between workers' skills and the jobs that are available, and a lack of understanding of what skills are required for success – which only serves to exacerbate the current unemployment situation. ACT is developing standardized workforce skill credentials that address the skills gap in a meaningful way, coupled with an innovative, community-based implementation framework. The Certified Work Ready Communities initiative empowers local leaders with data and resources to address the skills gap in their own community, leading to tangible benefits for employers and workers alike. ACT is also launching the National Workforce Solutions Advisory Board on Monday to align workforce assets with industry needs through policy oversight/guidance and strategic investment.

ACT is an independent, not-for-profit public trust founded in 1959 that provides a broad array of assessment, research, information and program management solutions in the areas of education and workforce development.  Best known for its national college entrance exam and resulting ACT scores, the company expanded into workforce development in the 1990s. ACT developed its WorkKeys assessments, to respond to the emerging gap between the knowledge and skill set of graduates and the evolving needs of the workplace. 

SOURCE ACT