Local leaders and luminaries gathered Tuesday to celebrate Callaway County's recognition as a Certified Work Ready Community.
"It took a lot of help," Presiding Commissioner Gary Jungermann said of the process.
For the past 2 years, he and many others in the community have worked to achieve the work-ready status as part of the Missouri Certified Work Ready Communities initiative. Bruce Hackmann, economic development director at the Callaway Chamber of Commerce, and chamber Executive Director Tamara Tateosian were among those closely involved in the process.
State Rep. Travis Fitzwater, R-Holts Summit, said the state needs to emphasize workforce development. He also serves as vice chair person of Missouri's Workforce Development Committee.
"Our economy needs workers that are prepared," he said.
That's the goal of the certified work-ready program. One of its main focuses is preparing students to enter the workforce. Jungermann said readiness is evaluated through the ACT WorkKeys test.
"It's another tool that counselors will be able to work with in schools," he added. The test is a variation on the ACT focusing on practical, trade-oriented skills.
After taking the test, individuals receive a score and are assigned a bronze, silver, gold or platinum certification. This indicates to employers the individuals are knowledgeable and likely good employees.
Superintendent Jacque Cowherd of Fulton Public Schools said 35-40 high school seniors took the test last year.
"Optimistically, it gives an assessment of where they are academically and the future," he said. "Hopefully, we can get those kids to return to Callaway County (to work)."
Another facet of the program is getting local employers involved. A certain number must pledge to recognize the Work Ready certification (earned by taking the WorkKeys) for the county to receive recognition.
More than 40 local employers have signed, including Callaway Electric Cooperative, AZZ/Central Electric, Backer's Potato Chip Co., Danuser Machine Company, Henderson Products Inc., Mid-America Precast, the Ovid Bell Press, The Callaway Bank, Fulton State Hospital and Missouri School for the Deaf.
"This is not easy," state Sen. Jeannie Riddle, R-Mokane, pointed out. "If this was easy, all 114 counties in Missouri would have it. Currently, less than half do."
She said the certification takes a lot of initiative on the part of local leaders to complete.
"It's a good day to be a Callawegian," she said.
Tateosian said this isn't the end of Callaway County's efforts to improve its workforce readiness. She said the drive to reach students will continue. For example, at 5:30 p.m today, Fulton High School will hold a college and career fair for students.