April 28, 2009
For Immediate Release

RCCC Offers Career Readiness Certification

               SALISBURY, N.C. — Some job seekers can improve their chances of landing the position they want by gaining career readiness certification through Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (RCCC).

               Career readiness certification (CRC) is a national program that helps job applicants show proof of their basic skills to employers. The certificate is a portable credential, allowing job searchers to use it anywhere in the United States to demonstrate their competence in key foundational skills.

               "The National Career Readiness Certificate works like standardize tests for college admissions," explained Jeanie Moore, RCCC vice president of continuing education. "Colleges use test scores to determine if a student is ready for college-level coursework. Employers use the CRC to help determine if a job applicant is ready for a specific job or training program."
To secure the National Career Readiness Certificate, persons must complete the Work Keys® job skills assessment and instruction program. The Work Keys program ensures job seekers possess basic workplace skills needed in applied mathematics, reading for information and locating information.

               "Job applicants can use the CRC to complement their diplomas, degrees and resumes and gain an advantage in the interview process," Moore said. "The certificate helps employers quickly identify skilled candidates in their applicant groups."
To start the CRC process, persons first must complete a two-hour career advisement lab. RCCC offers lab sessions at its Cloverleaf Extension Center in Kannapolis (942 Cloverleaf Plaza), and Career Connections in Salisbury 1923 S. Main St.). Day, evening and some Saturday sessions are available.

               Some persons, based on employment status and income, are able to complete the CRC program free of charge. The career advisement labs are free to everyone.

               For more information about the career readiness certification program and a schedule of career advisement labs, call RCCC at 704-216-3545.

               RCCC is a comprehensive, community-based institution of higher learning, serving the citizens of Rowan and Cabarrus counties in North Carolina. RCCC is one of 58 colleges in the state-supported North Carolina Community College System.

                RCCC offers fully-accredited associate-degree programs in more than 40 areas of study, including arts and sciences, business, information technology, health and public services, and engineering technologies. RCCC also offers accredited diploma and certificate programs focused on career training, continuing education and basic skills education. RCCC provides a strong foundation and transferable credits for students moving on to four-year colleges and universities and helps adults get the additional training they need to start new careers.

               RCCC annually provides more than 2,000 course offerings, serving an overall enrollment of approximately 20,000 students. In addition, RCCC provides the education and job-training programs needed to meet many of the workforce demands of the North Carolina Research Campus being developed in Kannapolis. For complete details, see the RCCC website at www.rowancabarrus.edu.