5/27/2009 - WorkKeys Conference Featured Successes, Challenges, and New Approaches

The 12th Annual WorkKeys® National Conference was held in San Antonio on May 12-15, 2009. Despite travel cutbacks that have hit all sectors of the economy, more than 500 people gathered for this important event to share best practices and to discuss solutions for the skills gap and workforce development challenges we face as a nation. Engaging sessions shared excellent results that numerous KeyTrain® clients are having across the country.

Highlighted at the conference was the new certification endorsed by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) that has the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) as its prerequisite. Emily Stover DeRocco, President of The Manufacturing Institute and Senior Vice President of NAM, spoke about the certification in relation to skills-development pathways for transitioning workers in tough economic times.

Also new this year was the announcement of KeyTrain's comprehensive work readiness course that is already being adopted statewide in some states. The course, Career Ready 101™, includes KeyTrain (training for all WorkKeys skills), KeyTrain's Career Skills curriculum for soft skills and work habits, as well as totally new curriculum for financial literacy, job searches, resume building, career exploration and more - all tracked in a central management system. The response to those that attended demo sessions was pure excitement.

For more information on Career Ready 101 or any other KeyTrain products, contact:
Thinking Media
Phone 877.842.6205
Fax 423.266.2111