Workforce development is more than just a buzzword—it’s the cornerstone of economic prosperity and individual growth. At the forefront of this movement is ACT WorkReady Communities, an initiative that Lucas County has fervently pursued and passionately embodied since 2018.
What is WorkReady?
Powered by ACT, a trusted leader in educational and workforce solutions, the Work Ready Communities initiative is a framework for community-based workforce development to drive economic growth.
Participating communities leverage the ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)—an evidence-based credential that has been proven to accurately predict work readiness and job performance—to measure and close the gap between employers’ needs and the skills of job seekers.
By achieving certified ACT’s Work Ready Communities status, Lucas County is demonstrating that we have a have a robust workforce development effort aligned to our economic development needs resulting in:
- Individuals who understand the skills required by employers and how to prepare themselves for success.
- Employers with a more qualified workforce.
- A community that’s attractive for economic development opportunities.
At its core, WorkReady is a certification that represents:
- Skills Recognition: Job seekers complete the WorkKeys Assessments to measure and certify that they have essential work skills needed for success in jobs across industries and occupations.
- Employer Engagement: Establishing that employers recognize, recommend, or require the NCRC.
- Community Commitment: Ensuring that there is an ongoing pledge by community stakeholders to bolster workforce training and skill development.
For a deep dive into Lucas County’s outstanding achievements, check out the details on WorkReady Lucas County and the ACT’s profile on Lucas County.
Lucas County Shines at the Annual ACT Workforce Summit
October was a pivotal month for Lucas County’s workforce development efforts. A delegation from the Lucas County Department of Planning and Development, including Kwinlyn Tyler and Tonia Saunders, traveled to Nashville to accept a prestigious award at the Annual ACT Workforce Summit. This honor isn’t just an accolade for Lucas County; it mirrors the unwavering dedication of its many stakeholders.
The ACT Workforce Summit, hosted in the vibrant city of Nashville, was a melting pot of ideas and innovation. With keynote addresses and sessions led by national thought leaders, it offered avenues for upskilling our current workforce, building resilient economies, and forging robust partnerships—all vital for a prosperous workforce and community. Interacting with peers and the ACT Workforce community was a highlight, broadening our perspective and deepening our commitment to excellence. The recognition for maintaining our ACT WorkReady goals was the icing on the cake. With over 7,000 job seekers earning their ACT National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) and more than 400 businesses either recommending or recognizing the NCRC, Lucas County’s commitment to workforce development shines brightly.
Looking Ahead
The Work Ready certification and the award at the ACT Workforce Summit are not just accolades to be showcased. They are a call to action—a reminder that while Lucas County has achieved a lot, the journey of workforce development is ongoing.
With a dedicated community of employers, educators, and workforce professionals, Lucas County is poised to set even higher benchmarks. The dream is clear: a future where every job seeker finds their perfect role and every business has its ideal employee. With the continued passion and commitment of the entire community, this dream is well within reach.