NYS Dept. of Labor Updates College and Career Readiness Tools
The Career Development and Youth Initiatives Office
1March30, 2012
Career Development & Youth Initiatives Office WHAT WE DO:
• Support DOL funded Youth Programs
• Develop career planning curriculum and tools for youth and adults
• Provide professional development and support
• Gather and share best practices
• Connect with other youth serving agencies & organizations on special projects
What does it mean to be Career Ready? YOUTH NEED TO KNOW:
• their strengths, skills, talents and abilities
• how to attain a level of education and performance needed to reach their goals
• how to manage their careers over a lifetime
Career Ready Means YOUTH CAN:
• Use assessment tools to identify career- related interests, skills and talents
• Identify short and long term goals
• Identify skills and personal traits
• Understand their decision-making style
• Use career information to make decisions about education and work
• Prepare a resume, cover letter and fill out a job application
• Interview for a job
• Create and manage a career plan
Career Ready Means YOUTH CAN:
Work Ready
Career Ready Means YOUTH ARE:
What’s Available Right Now To Help Youth Become Career Ready?
New York Youth Works Program
In December 2011,Governor Cuomo signed
legislation to combathigh unemployment among
inner-city youth by providing funding to organizations that could assist youth who needed
work-readiness training and connect them to certified
businesses for employment.
New York Youth Works Program
– 26% of all unemployed workers are under the age of 25
– 4 out of every 10 inner city young adults are looking for work
– Unemployment among Hispanic youth in New York State (ages 16-19) is over 35%
New York Youth Works
NYYW Targeted Areas
New York Youth Works
3 CRITICAL Elements of NYYWP
Businesses
Placement/Training Providers
Youth
Work Readiness Credential A Resource for DOL Youth Programs
•New Tool – WRC •Expanding test center network•New Curriculum •Business Support and Partnerships
Work Readiness Credential - History
Developed based on businesses’ feedback regarding the lack of entry level skills in potential employees
WRC was developed based on samples of numerous industries across the United States
Partners included nationally: Businesses Unions Chambers of Commerce State Workforce Investment Boards Education and training professionals
Work Readiness Credential
Work Readiness Credential
4 tests1. Workplace
Math2. Workplace
Reading3. Active
Listening 4. Situational
Judgment
MeasurMeasuree
MeasurMeasuree
8 Skills1. Use math to solve
problems2. Read with understanding3. Listen actively4. Cooperate with others5. Conflict resolution and
Negotiation6. Observe critically 7. Problem solving and
decision Making8. Take responsibility for
learning
Work Readiness Credential - Prep
Steck Vaughn “Work Skills” Curriculum:Instructor led three book set with associated online educational resources http://hmheducation.com/careerpathways/preparation-2.php WIN Work Skills: Self-Directed online preparationhttp://www.hmheducation.com/careerpathways/preparation-
5.php
Use an equivalent training program
Work Readiness Credential - Test
The WRC tests are administered online at Council approved test sites
There are approximately 100 test sites in NYS
Partner with an existing site http://www.workreadiness.com/sitelocations.html
Become a test site http://www.castleworldwide.com/nwrc/asp/nwrc_site_application.asp
Youth Portal – A One-Stop Shop
http://labor.ny.gov/youth
CareerZone: Helping Students Explore The World of Work
Over One Million Students Served
The CareerZone system serves as the foundation for career development programs across New York State. Youth quickly and easily connect to information on over 800 occupations, 450 career videos and career plan tools.
This award-winning CareerZone site can be accessed at no-cost to users and has been adopted by California and Pennsylvania.
https://www.careerzone.ny.gov
Connecting Knowledge of Self & Labor Market: The CareerZone Portfolio
This is the heart of the website where youth can interact with the CareerZone Portfolio to document what they know about themselves, what they have learned about the world of work and make informed decisions about career opportunities.
Information can be saved and printed as a Career Plan or resume.
Coming Soon!
Updated CareerZone System
• Rewritten around Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) • New approaches to information organization and site navigation
• Integration of customer self-service activities and the OSOS mediated system used by staff
Updated CareerZone System
• Updated, shorter interest assessment• Designation of Green Careers • New “Bright Outlook” tag for occupations • Enhanced Search engines for occupations, job openings and college information• Ability to upload and store resumes• Quick Print option for each page
• New Career Plan Model - TBD
Passport to Safety: An Important Resource
•Many young adults injured on the job•Statewide effort to research resources to help youth on the job led by the NYS Young Workers Safety and Health project•Discovered Passport to Safety Program•Used in Canada and Australia
Passport to Safety
http://www.passporttosafety.com/newyork/
LinkedIn Group for Youth Practitioners
• CareerZone Updates
• Other resource updates (career guide, Passport to Safety, Youth Portal)
• Ask a question of practitioners
Vicki Gray518-402-0440
New York State Department of LaborDivision of Employment and Workforce SolutionsCareer Development and Youth Initiatives Office
Email: [email protected]: 1-877-226-5724