1. Career Readiness Certificate “A new credential to certify workers skills” Cathleen Wildes Career and Technical Education Administrator Midland County ESA

2. Three Skill Areas employers say are most needed: Applied Mathematics Reading for Information Locating Information

3. Our Challenge: We are not speaking the same language Employers say “New hires need more math.” Educators ask “How much more?” Employers say “We need better reading skills.” Educators ask “How much better?”.

4. Coming to Michigan: The National Career Readiness Certificate NCRC bridging classrooms and careers

5. Benefits of the National Career Readiness Certificate Program Enables educators, economic developers, and employers to work collaboratively toward the common goal of a highly skilled workforce. Documents that the workforce is ready for jobs that are available Serves as a proven economic development tool Explains to job seekers and applicants the skills they are going to need for jobs Increase the tax base of a state Helps educators adequately prepare students for careers and the workplace Increase communication between educators, workforce developers and employers Taps into a national, fully portable resource

6. WorkKeys ® Skill Level BronzeSilverGold Applied Mathematics 345 Locating Information 345 Reading for Information 345 Job Readiness* 30%65%90% *Job Readiness indicates the % of jobs in the occupational database that holders of the certificate are qualified to apply for. The CRC is a credential.

7. Ready for College and Ready for Work: Same or Different? Nationally recognized and portable—can use it across the state or the country with many different types of employers Demonstrates ability to apply what they know to job specific skills Allows entrance into higher wage careers while advancing skills and education What’s in it for our students?

8. T H E S O L U T I O N: Closing the language barrier between business and education. TM Certificates & Seals

9. Slide 9 M-MIT Region Bay Clinton Eaton Genesee Huron Ingham Lapeer Livingston Midland Saginaw Sanilac Shiawasee Tuscola

10. Websites www.nationalcareerreadiness.org www.michigancrc.org