University at Buffalo Educational Opportunity Center

1. University at BuffaloEducational Opportunity Center Worker Readiness Preparation: The National Work Readiness Credential and Equipped for the Future Standards Presentation: Buffalo Niagara Human Resources Associate Presenter: Ms. Terry A. Patterson, National Work Readiness Credential Coordinator June 20, 2012

2. National Work Readiness Credential • The National Work Readiness Credential (NWRC) dates back to 2002 when the standards for work readiness were first established under the direction of a host of partner states, research and development organizations, and Junior Achievement Worldwide . • It is the first assessment for entry-level workers to provide a universal, transferable, national standard for work readiness. • The Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) was pivotal in the planning and launching of the National Work Readiness Credential statewide and locally. • EOC is the only institution that offers the NWRC exam preparation in Western New York.

3. National Work Readiness CredentialNational Work Readiness Credential Exam Preparation • It is a one day workshop that prepares candidates for the National Work • Readiness Credential Exam and for success in the workplace. • Job seekers are actively engaged in “real world” workplace scenarios that • help them better process and apply the Equipped for the Future (EFF) • standards • Upon completing the workshop, job seekers are eligible to sit for the NWRC • exam

4. National Work Readiness CredentialFour Core Categories Skills Equipped For The Future Standards • Decision Making • Skills • Interpersonal • Skills • Communication • Skills Lifelong Learning skills

5. National Work Readiness Credential What Should I Expect on the National Work Readiness Credential Exam? • It is a national online exam that is administered at the UB Educational Opportunity Center • It takes 3 hours to complete • Questions are multiple-choice and are based on scenarios that relate to workplace tasks

6. National Work Readiness CredentialDevelopment & Growth Path • 520 Tested • 309 Earned NWRC In 2007- Youth group received complete preparation: 39 Tested - 23 Earned NWRC

7. National Work Readiness CredentialA Preferred Qualification for Employment Employer : University at Buffalo Facilities Operation Position Title: Cleaner Preferred Qualification: The National Work Readiness Credential Preferred • University at Buffalo Facilities Operation implemented the NWRC as a preferred qualification in its new hiring process in the summer of 2009 • Candidates who are interested register with the EOC NWRC Liaison • Candidates (names) who complete the workshop and sit for the exam are forwarded to the Facilities Manager

8. National Work Readiness Credential The National Work Readiness Credential is a win-win opportunity for both the employer and job seeker. Employer • The employer maximizes the effectiveness of the on-the-job training because of the knowledge, skills, and abilities the job seeker develops from the NWRC Job Seekers • It increases job seekers’ employability opportunities and offers a better chance for job retention

9. Questions??? Thank you For More Information Contact: Ms. Terry A. Patterson, Work Readiness Credential Liaison UB Educational Opportunity Center 465 Washington Street Buffalo, NY 14203 849-6727 ext.162 Email: tap1@buffalo.edu Websites: eoc.buffalo.edu Castelworldwide.com/nwrc workreadiness.com