New certificate program aids job-seekers

WASILLA — A few years ago, Roger Sampson, then commissioner for the state Department of Education, pledged that before he retired he would initiate help for those with limited credentials by backing their search for employment.

His promise, matched with continuing efforts from Gov. Sarah Palin’s administration to beef up employment opportunities in the state, led to the development of the Career Readiness Certificate (CRC). The credential aims to demonstrate to employers that those earning a CRC are ready for the workforce with the basic work skills necessary to excel.

Earning a CRC enables a job-seeker to get a leg up in the job hunt as well as reassure employers they’re getting what they asked for.

Samantha Gregory, Audrey Callahan and Chris Chudnofsky are the first three in Alaska to receive the Job Center of Alaska’s CRC. The three received their certificates from Palin’s husband, Todd Palin, at a ceremony held last week at the Mat-Su Job Center in Wasilla.

Palin, recently back from this year’s Iron Dog competition, was joined by Commissioner Click Bishop from the Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

Brad Gillespie, regional manager of Alaska Job Center, said the CRC program is a step in the right direction for Alaska’s workforce.

“This is really a defining moment of change with the work initiative in Alaska,” Gillespie said. “The CRC maintains workforce readiness in the area with assurance for those looking to advance in employment.”

Applied math, reading for information and locating information are the three of many areas in which students are tested and must pass to receive a CRC.

“Ninety percent of the jobs in Alaska’s job market require these components, so it is very much a necessary and desirable reward,” Gillespie said.

Participants in the CRC program use a job skills assessment system called WorkKeys, which measures a person’s real-world skills, he said. The ACT Corp. developed the WorkKeys system, which is used in 20 states. ACT is the same skills assessment model used to determine what level pre-college students are at for admission to most higher education institutes.

The WorkKeys model enables job seekers to connect work skills, training and testing for education and employers, according to ACT.org. The system also makes it easier to meet the requirements of federal programs and legislation, supports economic and workforce development programs, the basis for the national CRC program. The length of time to complete the certificate program depends on each student. Students study in career-specific courses, reach a skill level of five or above, then begin preparations to take the WorkKeys test. If passed, they receive the CRC.

“In my role as First Spouse, it’s great to be working with vocational facilities, especially for those who are not college-bound,” Palin said to a small crowd at the Mat-Su Job Center. “A lot of us learn by tearing things down and putting them back together again, and that’s a skill. It’s a big day to come together and recognize the first of the recipients of this certificate.”

Bishop echoed Palin’s kudos, adding many employers are ready to hire entry-level employees based on their real world skills.

“Continuity in the workplace is necessary, and the WorkKeys process does that,” Bishop said. “As a business owner, it’s a breath of fresh air to hire someone who knows how to read a tape measure. The governor has given me the latitude to think out of the box, and that’s what we’ve done with vocational training in this state.”

CRC recipient Gregory said she aspires to become a certified nursing assistant next and is looking into enrolling in a local nursing program. Callahan wants to eventually take on a profession in constitutional law. Chudnofsky, a local heavy equipment operator, hopes the certificate will help him get a North Slope position in the near future, and eventually wants to start his own construction business.

“This was the step in the right direction for me,” Chudnofsky said. “I’d like to show the people on the Slope what I can do, so this is another opportunity to do so.”

Judy Michlig, a career development specialist at the Mat-Su Job Center, said for the past five years she has helped job seekers find their niches in the workforce. Michlig assisted Gregory, Callahan and Chudnofsky with the CRC program.

“I was assigned to all three of these individuals, who were all able to work through this program,” Michlig said. “In return, it helps them become more employable in their job field. It’s a portable credential worth going for.”

Contact J.J. Harrier at valleylife@-frontiersman.com or 352-2269.