ACT Announces to Offer Free Tools, Seeks to Close Skills Gap

Chicago — April 11

ACT Inc., a nonprofit provider of assessment, research, information and program management services in education and workforce development, launched its “Tomorrow’s Workforce Now” initiative, a commitment to help businesses and workers meet the challenges of the 21st century.

ACT announced the initiative as part of the opening ceremonies for its 15th annual national conference spotlighting best practices in workforce development and credentialing.

Through “Tomorrow’s Workforce Now,” ACT will fund assessment and workplace credentials to provide a jump start toward solving the workplace skills gap. This gift to the nation will seek to enable thousands of employers and tens of thousands of individuals to try an evidence-based workplace service.

ACT will document and analyze valuable additional data to help businesses pinpoint deficiencies in their talent pipeline, and individuals will be able to assess and certify essential job skills.

A growing number of community colleges across the nation have already committed to leadership roles in implementing the program. Community colleges will work with other local partners including businesses, workforce agencies and economic development agencies to help build communities equipped to create and compete for high-quality jobs and careers.

A major component within the initiative is ACT’s commitment to helping employers across the nation understand and apply its proven assessment tools, which include the ACT WorkKeys job skills system and the ACT National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC).

Who can be a part of “Tomorrow’s Workforce Now”?

ACT is seeking the support of a wide range of partners and stakeholders in implementing this initiative. It will draw heavily on existing and new relationships with community colleges, workforce and economic development agencies to replicate proven, innovative practices designed to create strong regional economies. Economic and workforce development organizations are encouraged to partner with area employers to participate in “Tomorrow’s Workforce Now.”