Preparing Dislocated Workers in Delaware for a Career Readiness Credential

No system exists in Delaware for measuring the foundational skills of unemployed adults and no formal evaluation has been conducted in Delaware on the effect of academic enrichment services on the foundational skills of unemployed adults. In addition, there is no instructional model in Delaware for delivering academic enrichment to unemployed adults that would result in readiness to earn a National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC(TM)) through an industry recognized assessment system. This study documented the outcomes of the pilot implementation of an academic readiness program in Kent County, Delaware. It compared mean pre and post-test ACT WorkKeysRTM assessment scores in Applied Mathematics and Reading for Information of 119 dislocated workers. A second aspect of the study was to determine the perceived level of preparedness in work-related math, work-related reading, general computer skills, overall work readiness, and ability to obtain work-related credentials before and after participation in the program. It was predicted that the integration of academic skills enrichment into the DDOL re-employment services (RES) model would result in increased participant literacy skills. It was also predicted that program participants would be motivated to engage in an educational program that could potentially yield a relevant, work-related, and "stackable" credential, one that could be added to their existing credentials to enhance employability and advancement opportunities. Study data yielded support for the research questions posed; however, satisfaction survey data, including open-ended response data, suggested little or no support for the delivery model piloted.