Video: Work Keys Testing

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) — It’s a unique effort that may be the next big piece to the puzzle for economic recruitment in the Golden Triangle and North Mississippi. This spring and fall, juniors and seniors at high schools in Lowndes, Oktibbeha, and Clay counties will take skills test free of charge.

The results will provide important information to new and existing industries but also provide guidance to students looking for direction in their future.

When companies like Yokohama, Paccar, or United Furniture start looking at new investments, they no longer just ask about population or drive time to work. More often, they want assurances that an area has the skilled work force they need to make the investment worth while. That’s why the Golden Triangle Development Link is paying for high school students to take the state’s Work Keys assessment test.

“And in order for our community to be what we call ‘work ready,’ we have a goal for everyone who takes that test to have scored a silver or higher,” said Macaulay Whitaker/GTR Link.

That means they have the skills and inclination to be trained in today’s increasingly high-tech jobs. And while Work Keys is nothing new as a barometer of potential quality workers, the demand is greater.

“We’ve been doing work keys for the last 9-10 years. But it has really taken off in the last three to four years because all area industry demands it,” said Raj Shaunak/EMCC.

“It’s very intricate detailed jobs, they often involve the use and guidance of robotics. So to say that we are looking to have a skilled work force there is a great deal of importance placed on that,” said Macaulay Whitaker/Golden Triangle Link.

New Hope Vocational Teacher Susie Oglesby was one of many teachers recently receiving training at EMCC to introduce work keys to their high school students. When as many as 15 percent of the area’s high school seniors graduated last year with no idea what they planned to do with their future, she sees this as a tool to help.

“I think it’s very important that every student, no matter if they are going into the college world or academics, that everyone has a skill. And this way this gives them an opportunity to be in industry. So they have a second chance,” said Susie Oglesby/New Hope High School.

“It fits a very wide spectrum of students, those who are looking to enter the work force immediately out of high school. Those who are looking to go on to two and four-year programs. This could even be applied to students looking to attain internship while in college,” said Macaulay Whitaker.

By this time next year, the region’s economic development recruiters hope to have proof that hundreds of area residents are prepared for the jobs of the future.

Work Keys practice testing also will be available to 9th graders. And adults can get qualified as well. Those interested should contact the community college or WIN Job Center in their area.