Building a Skilled Workforce: Camden County Marks Work Ready Achievement

On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, the Camden County Work Ready Community Celebration marked a significant milestone in workforce development at The Exchange Venue in Camdenton, Missouri. Local leaders, business owners, and Governor Mike Parson gathered to celebrate Camden County’s official designation as a certified Work Ready Community.

The Work Ready initiative is designed to align workforce development with local economic needs, ensuring that communities have skilled workers ready for the demands of today’s job market. Governor Parson, a strong proponent of workforce development, emphasized how critical it is for Missouri, especially rural areas like Camden County, to develop and retain a trained workforce. “Everybody wants good infrastructure, and everybody wants a trained workforce,” Parson remarked. He highlighted that the future success of the state depends on fostering economic growth in all areas, particularly in smaller counties, which often face more limited opportunities compared to larger cities.

During the celebration, COPIC Compliance Officer Mike Chittum took the stage to discuss the importance of the ACT WorkKeys program in equipping both emerging and current workers with essential skills. Chittum highlighted how the WorkKeys assessment helps close the gap between educational qualifications and actual job readiness by testing key competencies like applied math, graphic literacy, and workplace documents. “This test creates a bridge between the skills a high school diploma doesn’t cover and what employers really need,” Chittum explained. His presentation underscored the importance of the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC), a credential recognized by employers statewide that demonstrates an individual’s readiness for the workforce.

Chittum’s emphasis on practical, skill-based education echoed the broader goals of the Work Ready initiative, which is aimed at meeting the needs of local employers by preparing workers with the skills required in today’s market. As of the event, 547 members of Camden County’s emerging workforce, primarily high school juniors and seniors, had completed the NCRC exam process. Additionally, 298 current and transitioning workers earned their certifications, positioning themselves for greater success in their long-term careers.

Governor Parson’s remarks focused on the need to equip students with real-world skills that match the demands of the local job market, acknowledging that not every individual will pursue a college degree. He emphasized the importance of recognizing alternate career paths and supporting them through initiatives like the Work Ready Communities program. Parson noted that Missouri ranked first in the nation for job growth in June, a result he attributed to the state’s strong focus on workforce training and development.

Chittum’s presentation and the Work Ready designation reflect Camden County’s commitment to fostering a workforce that can meet local economic needs. His role as COPIC Compliance Officer underscores the collaborative effort between the Central Workforce Development Region and local community leaders to ensure the success of this initiative.

The event concluded with reflections on the collective achievements of the Tri-County Certified Work Ready Community Initiative, which has been a project seven years in the making, overcoming obstacles such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The collaboration between Camden, Morgan, and Miller Counties highlights the power of regional partnerships in driving workforce development, making the celebration not only a recognition of Camden County’s success but also a vision for future growth across the region.