Why is Workplace Readiness So Important?

The National Skill Standards Board (NSSB) has identified specific workplace readiness competencies that are required by anyone seeking employment.  So what is the NSSB?  The NSSB is an organization consisting of representatives from business, labor, employee, education, community and civil rights organizations.  It was created in 1994 to build a national system of skill standards, assessment and certification.  The primary goal of the NSSB is to enhance the ability of the United States workforce to compete effectively in a global economy.  Representatives from across the country have been working to develop skill standards in 15 industry clusters.  In addition, they have also been working with state and local Workforce Boards to identify workplace readiness competencies that can be instituted nationwide.  These competencies include:

• Pre-employment skills - career decision-making, resume writing, interview skills, etc.
• Work Maturity - getting to work on time, appropriate attendance and dress, interpersonal relations, work habits and values
• Employability - working as part of a team, using resources effectively, organizing and planning, etc.
• Academic - reading, writing and mathematics
• Occupational/Technical - customer service, telephone etiquette, etc