One of the biggest short-term needs of employers is the ability to hire qualified entry-level workers, according to a 2005 Institute for a Competitive Workforce study.  Businesses spend billions of dollars each year to train new employees and remediate the educational skill gap of those already in the workforce.

The solution is the Work Readiness Certification, which streamlines the hiring process by identifying a work-ready pool of job applicants.  The program issues a certificate based on the entry-level skills identified by more that 600 businesses needed by young adults to succeed in the workplace.

Hundreds of youth have received a Work Readiness Certificate, through the Chamber’s new program, in partnership with the City of L.A.’s Community Development Department, Professionals in Human Resources Association [PIHRA] and United Way of Greater L.A. and more that 45 community-based organization serving youth.

“The program allows L.A. County businesses the opportunity to hire some of the best and brightest youth in our community.” said David Rattray, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Education & Workforce Development.

     How The WRC  Works

• To qualify for the certificate, young adults must complete an on-line job application, a hard copy job application, a math skills test, a customer service assessment and a resume.

• Volunteer business professionals facilitate mock interviews based on actual hiring practices.

• The process is designed to help employers reduce cost and time in the recruitment of entry-level staff, turnover reduction and training costs.

• You will have access to young job seekers who successfully complete the certificate program and have demonstrated the basic skills or competencies necessary to obtain and retain entry-level employment.