Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development

Gov. Mike Parson and Dr. Mardy Leathers celebrate certification event

Morgan County, Missouri, recently achieved ACT Certified Work Ready Community Status. Missouri Gov. Mike Parson spoke at the event celebrating the certification, Thursday, at the Morgan County R-II Performing Arts Center.

The Work Ready Community initiative empowers counties throughout the United States to identify skill gaps and quantify the skill level of its workforce. This helps educators build career pathways aligned with the needs of business and industry.

In order to be considered for the designation, communities must obtain support from a predetermined number of businesses in the community, and the workforce must earn a certain number of ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificates.

Approximately 40 local employers have supported Morgan County officials’ efforts to earn certification and 200 emerging workers – mostly juniors and seniors from Stover and Versailles High Schools – have successfully completed the National Career Readiness exam process.

“We applaud Morgan County for earning Work Ready certification,” said Gov. Parson. “In making such a strong commitment to its local businesses and workforce, Morgan County has taken a major step toward securing an economic future in which all of its community members are equipped to succeed.”  

Missouri Director of Workforce Development Dr. Mardy Leathers also spoke at Thursday’s celebration.

“By forging a partnership between local businesses and educators, the workforce leaders in Morgan County are creating more opportunities for their community members to thrive,” said Dr. Leathers. “Missouri was one of the first states to participate in ACT’s Work Ready initiative, and, when it comes to certification, we continue to be at the front of the pack.”   

Missouri continues to lead the nation with 87 fully Certified Work Ready Communities and more than 4,500 supporting employers. More than 100 Missouri counties are actively participating in Certified Work Ready Community initiatives.

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