Schuyler County Is Work Ready
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By Mike Scott
Missouri’s 57th governor paid a visit to Schuyler County R-1 High School on Tuesday morning, May 7.
Parson’s visit was to congratulate Schuyler County for being designated an ACT Work Ready Community.
The Work Ready Community Initiative empowers counties across 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 businesses and industries.
Missouri was one of seven initial states in the country to implement the Certified Work Ready Communities (CWRC) Initiative.
Today, Missouri leads the nation with over 85 fully Certified Work Ready Communities and more than 4,500 supporting employers. Over 100 Missouri counties actively participate in the CWRC initiative.
What is a Certified Work Ready Community?
A certified Work Ready Community means your local county has job candidates in the pipeline with high-demand skills proven by the National Career Readiness Certificate. It also shows that local employers care about hiring the best and brightest your region has to offer.
Speakers for the high school assembly were introduced by Mike Scheib, CEO of Tri- County Electric.
“Tri County Electric is excited to have the opportunity to participate in helping the community earn this designation,” he said.
SCR-1 Superintendent Kyle Windy spoke briefly, thanking teaches and staff for their efforts, and pointing our many recent improvements within the school district.
Next up at the podium was Dr. Ben Boggs, Missouri’s Commissioner of Higher Education and Workforce Development.
“It’s a big deal,” he explained. “This means that Schuyler County is certified as a Work Ready Community. to make the county more attractive to business.
“This is a perfect program,” he continued. “This has been locally led and identified local nee County for its hard work and dedication in acquiring this certification.
The final speaker was Governor Parson.
“I want to start by thanking the teachers and the community. These things just don’t happen on their own,” he said.
Parson told students his unique history-graduating in a class of 14 students, joining the United States Army, becoming Sheriff, Senator and ultimately Governor-all with just a high school diploma.
“I’m not here to tell you that you don’t need a college degree. What you need is the ability to be ready to go into the workforce,” he said.
Parson offered some advice:
“Nobody is going to give you anything. You’re going to have to work for it.”
He continued, “You can do whatever you want, if we all do our part. That means the state, your community, the school and you. Our goal is to help you reach the American Dream.”
Parson noted that one of the most important efforts of his administration was helping Missouri become a national leader in Certified Work Ready Communities.
“All things are possible if you have the will to try and the faith to follow through,” he said in conclusion.
Following his remarks and the presentation of the Work Ready Resolution, Parson ascended the bleachers to meet students.
