ACT WorkKeys, a Valuable Tool for West Michigan Employers
Last week, Alexa Kramer and Chamber member Steve Heethuis, Training Director at NN Mobile Solutions, testified before the House Education Committee in opposition to House Bill 4162. This bill eliminates the requirement for Michigan’s Department of Education to administer the ACT WorkKeys assessment, a credential that employers utilize to match skills to workplace demands.
NN Mobile Solutions was able to implement the ACT WorkKeys assessment into their recruiting process for machinists. They’ve seen the assessment in action for the last few years, and believe it is a value-add activity in helping them staff their workforce needs. Students can earn a nationally-recognized credential that can help them highlight their skills to employers. Utilizing the ACT WorkKeys credential to match a new employee to the right in-demand job is needed to close the skills gap.
At a time when talent is the number one barrier to business growth, the Grand Rapids Chamber believes we can’t turn our backs on assessments like the ACT WorkKeys that provide valuable information to our region’s employers.
For more information on the Chamber’s education & workforce development efforts, contact Alexa Kramer at 616.771.0311 or kramera@grandrapids.org.