For Immediate Release: February 11, 2013
Contact: Kerry Koonce
Telephone: (515) 281-9646 or (515) 681-2230
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Iowa high school students can earn career certificates during State Wrestling Tournament
Skilled Iowa Initiative gives students jump start on their futures
Feb. 11, 2013 (Des Moines) Iowa high school students, parents and school officials attending the State Wrestling Tournament in Des Moines will have an opportunity to advance along the pathway to career success while they are there.
On Feb. 13-14, interested students may take the test to earn a National Career Readiness Certificate, a credential that highlights their aptitudes to potential employers.
Encouraging Iowa students and workers to earn a National Career Readiness Certificate is a goal of Iowa Workforce Development’s Skilled Iowa Initiative. Many high schools around the state already are encouraging their students to take the test.
“We want to provide as many opportunities as possible for students to earn a National Career Readiness Certificate,” said Iowa Workforce Development Director Teresa Wahlert. “The certificate can give students a jump start on their future careers, whether they are planning to attend college after graduation, enter the workforce or join the military.”
Students do not have to make reservations to take the test; they can simply show up. Iowa Workforce Development will have computers to take the test on site.
The National Career Readiness Certificate, or NCRC, is a credential recognized across the country that students and workers use to demonstrate their workplace skills. Employers can use the NCRC to help identify the right workers for available jobs.
The NCRC test measures several skills, including critical thinking and applied mathematics. Those who earn the certificate can use it to easily showcase their skills on resumes and in portfolios. The process of earning an NCRC also helps students understand their strengths and areas for growth, arming them for a competitive job market.
Testing also will be available at the boys and girls state basketball tournaments this year.
Visit http://skillediowa.org to learn more about the Skilled Iowa Initiative and the opportunities it provides students, workers and employers.
Like Skilled Iowa on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SkilledIowa and follow @SkilledIowa on Twitter for the latest updates.
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