Each high school student should graduate with a passport to the future. Students must prepare to acquire and demonstrate work readiness skills and be prepared for lifelong learning. We must encourage students to take rigorous high school courses, monitor their academic progress, make timely interventions, and communicate early and often how well they are progressing toward their goals.
Educators need to measure the gap between the skill levels students possess and the levels of those skills that employers require. The Georgia Work Ready program is the first step in eliminating such gaps to improve students' success in the workplace.
Graduating seniors may take the Georgia Work Ready assessment at no cost by contacting their local technical college.
The Georgia Work Ready Program uses ACT WorkKeys as the tool for measuring skill levels of students preparing for work. Prep packages and practice tests are available through the local DTAE technical colleges.
High school students, whether they begin work during high school, after graduation, or while in college, need the same basic skills as other workers. WorkKeys sets out skill levels and education required by the 432 jobs profiled in the WorkKeys database
The ability to learn, listen, communicate, work in teams, and solve problems-all areas addressed by WorkKeys-are important assets for any employee, regardless of age. They are also extremely important in today's higher education.
Employers in growing numbers accept or require WorkKeys scores from job applicants. Having these scores to document their readiness for work gives students a particular advantage with these employers. Community colleges accept WorkKeys scores as part of enrollment requirements, and many schools require WorkKeys for graduation.
Preview WorkKeys sample questions from the three tests that make up the Georgia Work Ready Certification exam here:
Students may take a timed practice test and receive an estimate of the score earned.
The Georgia Work Ready assessment is free to graduating high school seniors - contact your local technical college.
Click here to see the interactive map of Georgia showing center locations.
