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About ACT® Work Ready Communities

We all have a stake in making our country more competitive and closing the skills gap that threatens to paralyze our economy. Change starts at the grassroots level, by providing a community-based framework that:

  • Links workforce development to education
  • Aligns with the economic development needs of communities, regions and states
  • Matches individuals to jobs based on skill levels

The foundation of a community's certification is based on individuals at the county level across the current, transitioning and emerging workforce earning an ACT® WorkKeys® National Career Readiness Certificate® (ACT® WorkKeys® NCRC®) and employers recognizing the ACT® WorkKeys® NCRC®. The ACT® WorkKeys® NCRC® is a portable, industry-recognized credential that clearly identifies an individual’s WorkKeys® skills in workplace documents, applied math and graphic literacy - skills required for 77 percent of jobs based on ACT JobPro database.

By participating in ACT’s® Work Ready Communities initiative, counties, regions and states are helping:

  • Business and industry know exactly what foundational skills they need for a productive workforce - and to easily communicate their needs
  • Individuals understand what skills are required by employers - and how to prepare themselves for success
  • Policy makers consistently measure the skills gap in a timely manner at the national, state and local levels
  • Educators close the skills gap, via tools integrated into career pathways with stackable industry-recognized credentials
  • Economic developers use an on-demand reporting tool to market the quality of their workforce

Community Participation

When your community becomes a Certified Work Ready Community, you can prove the economic viability of your area to location consultants, investors, and other decision-makers.

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Work Ready Ecosystem

ACT® Work Ready Communities brings together disparate individuals and organizations who share a common goal -- participating in a vibrant and sustainable economy that benefits everyone involved. The Work Ready framework provides a set of criteria for evaluating which participants are contributing to this goal and which need improvement.

E C ONOMIC D E V E L O P ERS W ORK F ORCE D E V E L O P ERS LEARNERS EDUC A T ORS EMP L O Y ERS JOBSEEKERS
State Agencies
State Agencies
State agencies like the Department of Labor, Department of Education, and Department of Commerce are applying for and allocating funding to these strategic initiatives in your state.
Associations
Associations
Industry associations like the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) and others are helping to train and certify more skilled workers and seeking partners in the ecosystem to support their efforts.
Funding
Funding
Federal funding is dedicated to key workforce development initiatives like apprenticeship and work-based learning, corrections and re-entry, and upskilling to close the skills gap.
Educational Institutions
Educational Institutions
Schools, community colleges, and state-wide systems are growing and expanding training programs to align with job demands in your area and available funds.
Workforce
Boards
Workforce Boards
Workforce boards leverage partnerships and resources to fill skill gaps, prepare individuals for career pathways and utilize the Job Center system to deliver quality, equitable solutions to employers, students, and job seekers.
Individuals
Individuals
The people at the heart of your community find their dream jobs, carve their own pathways to success, and make a difference in the world.
Businesses
Businesses
Businesses like yours are seeking and finding more qualified, skilled talent that stays and thrives due to these intentional workforce development efforts.