Co-Lin Workforce Education offering math skills course

Co-Lin Workforce Education offering math skills course Picture

Math is one of the three critical skills that affect performance in most jobs. Co-Lin Workforce Education recognizes the importance of workplace math skills and is offering the community a learning opportunity to strengthen its knowledge in this area. The goal is to continue to strengthen the regional labor force, as it is no secret that skilled workers are pivotal to economic growth.

LaTasha Hooker of Hazlehurst entered her Freshman year at Co-Lin with the lifelong goal of becoming a registered nurse. But after getting off track, she reevaluated her path into the medical field. Recently she began rerouting her career as she completed her Associates’ Degree and looked to enroll in the non-credit Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) program on the Wesson Campus. The first requirement for the program is to achieve a silver level ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (ACT WorkKeys NCRC®). 

The ACT WorkKeys NCRC is an assessment-based credential that measures and certifies the essential work skills needed for success in jobs across industries and occupations. The assessment measures three-core skills, specifically, applied math, graphic literacy, and workplace documents, which form the basis for earning the ACT WorkKeys NCRC. This credential allows job seekers to prove employability and document existing foundational workplace skills. ACT WorkKeys assessment questions are based on situations in the everyday work world.

Initially, LaTasha received a bronze level and realized her applied math skills were the only thing holding her back from acceptance into the CCMA program. She completed a math skills refresher, and achieved silver level on her second attempt of the Applied Mathematics Assessment. Today, LaTasha is on her way to completing her first step into the medical field.

The benefits of the ACT WorkKeys NCRC to the individual laborer begins as confidence builds around his or her verified skills and those skills meet the needs of employers. Continuing, he or she may use the results of the assessment to determine areas for skill improvement and training needs. In the job search, applicants may use the ACT WorkKeys NCRC to show prospective employers concrete proof of their skills.

The upcoming math skill refresher course is ideal for individuals preparing to take or retake the ACT WorkKeys Assessment: Applied Math Module. Adult education students looking to reinforce math knowledge should find this refresher course an excellent companion to their current set of courses. Finally, more and more employers are requesting proof of an applicant’s workplace skills. This course can give job seekers an advantage in documenting their math skills.

This four-hour workshop is free to those who register for September classes. The course includes a workbook, a trained instructor, and is a $50 value. All classes meet on Co-Lin’s Wesson Campus in the Thames Conference Center. The class dates, times and registration forms are available at https://careertraining.colin.edu/strongmathskills or individuals may call 601.643.8707. Seats are limited, so early registration is encouraged.

CUTLINE: LaTasha Hooker of Hazlehurst is realizing career benefits after an investment in her math skills.