Feasibility Study: Manufacturing Competencies/Skills Assessment Instrument

1. Feasibility Study:Manufacturing Competencies/Skills Assessment Instrument Project Report November 21, 2002

2. Project Goal To determine whether or not a pilot project could create an on-line interactive manufacturing competencies/skills assessment instrument for individual clients of Colorado Workforce Centers. The proposed instrument would: (1) assess a job seeker’s ability to perform the technical skills needed to successfully carry out a job within the manufacturing sector (2) to identify skill needs so that job seekers can participate in appropriate training programs to prepare for meaningful employment in the State of Colorado.

3. Project Methodology • Became familiar with the operations at the Tri-County Workforce Center • Interviewed local manufacturing companies • Reviewed manufacturing skill sets • Reviewed and evaluated existing assessment instruments • Interviewed national assessment development experts

4. Finding 1 • A job request form which specifically identifies skills and work environment for the job posting would help the Workforce Center identify candidates to fill those jobs

5. Finding 2 • Use of standard screening tools at workforce centers would encourage employers to use the centers for their employment needs

6. Finding 3 • Job applicants need to be aware of the environmental conditions associated with manufacturing jobs

7. Finding 4 • A customized list of manufacturing skills and competencies developed and validated with manufacturing companies in the State of Colorado can be developed for a screening tool.

8. Finding 5 • A list of environmental factors associated with manufacturing jobs developed and validated with manufacturing companies in Colorado is needed for use in a screening tool.

9. Finding 6 • None of the assessment instruments available measure a candidate’s ability to perform skills required for manufacturing jobs

10. Finding 7 • Although an assessment tool is cost-prohibitive for a pilot study, a screening tool would improve the selectivity for job applicants on a cost-effective basis

11. Conclusion • There is a need for a system that would better match job-applicants with job openings • Such a system would be best implemented through the referral process at the workforce centers • Such a system would be best if used in conjunction with existing aptitude/ability assessments such as WorkKeys

12. Proposed Pilot Project • Develop a competency/skill based screening tool for use at the Tri-County Workforce Center which would • Allow companies to efficiently identify skill needs for a job opening • Allow workforce centers to screen candidates based on these skills to make accurate referrals and training needs assessments

13. Pilot Project Outline • Develop a competency/environmental condition job-request form • Develop a screening tool • Implement WorkKeys • Determine national best practices

14. Twelve Month Project Timeline First Quarter: • Validate competencies/skills • Format job-request checklist • Begin administering WorkKeys • Initiate national study of manufacturing skill assessment practices

15. Twelve Month Project Timeline Second Quarter: • Develop screening methodologies to determine a job-seeker’s: • Experience performing identified skills • Comfort working under identified environmental conditions

16. Twelve Month Project Timeline Third Quarter • Test the job-request form and screening tool at the Tri-County Workforce Center

17. Twelve Month Project Timeline Fourth Quarter • Evaluate pilot project through interviews and surveys of reprehensive job seekers, manufacturers, and workforce center staff • Develop report for best practices in manufacturing assessments and referral processes