One-Stop Business Services Staff Trained for Occupational Analysis Projects

Business Services Staff from the Missouri Career Center joined together with WIB staff on November 21st to participate in a half-day training session to prepare for the rollout of the WorkKeys® Estimator occupational analysis tool as a valuable new service to business customers throughout Southwest Missouri. Steve Anderson from ACT®, the parent organization for WorkKeys® delivered the training and help local staff strategize on how to maximize the effectiveness of WorkKeys as part of the WIB’s Career Readiness Credential initiative.

Southwest Missouri’s approach with the WorkKeys® Estimator will help facilitate business customers in their recruiting, training, and development plans. Occupational profiles are analyzed and compared with local jobs to help businesses estimate the skill levels needed for top performance. Varying levels of occupational profiling are available. For jobs that need more complex analysis incorporated with high-stakes hiring decisions, the Alliance for Business Consulting and Development can take referrals from the Career Center.

For more on WorkKeys Estimator, contact Tracy Lemmons or Jasen Jones at the Joplin Career Center, (417) 629-3000.

Workgroup Advances One-Stop Chartering Project

Missouri’s Training and Employment Council, functioning at the state WIB, has officially adopted the standards of One-Stop Chartering at its October meeting. This means full speed ahead for a local One-Stop Workgroup of the WIB that is preparing Southwest Missouri to excel as one of the leading region’s in the state for One-Stop Chartering.

The Workgroup is leveraging local resources and energies with a One-Stop Enhancement Grant from the Missouri Division of Workforce Development (DWD) to make facility improvements and service upgrades at the Joplin Career Center, develop a policy framework for integrated management through a One-Stop Operator, and design an innovative business plan that meets and exceeds chartering guidelines.

Helping to consult the workgroup and steer the process in a strategic manner is Nina Babich and Donna Cruder from the Corporation for a Skilled Workforce. The consultants provide technical assistance to the workgroup and represents the workgroup in seeking ongoing policy guidance and clarification from DWD to successfully implement the group’s business plan.

Several members of the workgroup will participate in upcoming Business Plan training. The workshops by the Small Business Development Center at Missouri Southern State University is set for December 6th.