WAGE™ Workforce Alliance For Growth in the Economy

1. WAGE™ Workforce Alliance For Growth in the Economy

2. WAGE™ is a job readiness training program conducted by the Adult Education Division of the Arkansas Department of Career Education.

3. All services provided by Adult Education/WAGE™ From Taxpayer Dollars

4. WAGE™ is Trademarked

5. WAGE is Business/Industry Driven

6. Chairperson of Local WAGE Advisory BoardMust Be From Business/Industry

7. Why WAGE™ is Needed 491,863 Arkansans 18 years of age or older function below a 12th grade level

8. 268,781 working-age Arkansans have less than a high school diploma

9. 399,755 Arkansans lack basic literacy skills

10. 12,500 students in Arkansas dropped out of high school in the 2008-2009 school year.

11. Specifics about WAGE™

12. WAGE™ includes 112 basic skill competenciesbased on the Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS)

13. U.S. Department of Labor April 1992 Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills

14. Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary SkillsBackground In 1990, the Secretary of Labor appointed a commission to determine the skills our young people need to succeed in the world of work. The commission's fundamental purpose was to encourage a high-performance economy characterized by high-skill, high-wage employment. Although the commission completed its work in 1992, its findings and recommendations continue to be a valuable source of information for individuals and organizations involved in education and workforce development. http://wdr.doleta.gov/SCANS/

15. WAGE™ accepts students who assess at less than a 12.9 grade-level (12th grade, 9th month) equivalency on the TEST of Adult Basic Education (TABE) and who have a goal of obtaining a job, retaining a job, improving their skill level to gain improved employment, or entering next-level workplace training.

16. WAGE™ is based on the same alliance principles as the Workforce Investment Act and requires more than 50 percent employer participation on the local WAGE Advisory Committee for an Adult Education Center to become WAGE-certified.

17. The alliance also includes participation agreements with the Arkansas Department of Human Services, the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, chambers of commerce, WIA, human resources associations, local leaders, staffing and training agencies, economic development agencies and boards, as well as other educational providers.

18. Participating employers allow Certified WAGE™ Professionals to perform LTA’s (Literacy Task Analysis)

19. WAGE™ uses consistent assessment and aptitude instruments statewide.

20. Participating employers agree to give added consideration to WAGE™ graduates; given all other candidate qualifications are equal.

21. Increased Earning Power Statistics have shown that a person earning a WAGE Certificate in Arkansas will increase their earning power.  The average increase in wages for certificate holders who were employed before earning a WAGE certificate compared to after earning a certificate increased by 17.8% according to data obtained from the Arkansas Research Center in 2012.  The average yearly salary before earning a WAGE certificate was    $17, 946.40 compared to $22, 075.12 after earning the certificate.  These statistics are based on WAGE certificates earned in the Fiscal Year 2009-2010 and 2010-11.

22. Some businesses require WAGE™ Certificate for Hiring—Albemarle Foundation Presenting check to Magnolia WAGE with Governor

23. Some employers provide various incentives to encourage employees to complete WAGE™ including: a sign-on bonus, increase in hourly rates, release time for classes, or as a pre-requisite to be enrolled in next-level workplace training. 

24. Types of WAGE™ Certificates

25. Employability Industrial Clerical Bank Teller Customer Service

26. Stackable Certificates

28. Adult Ed. will help student Get’em All CRC GED Employability Industrial Clerical Bank Teller Customer Service I & II

29. Employability Certificate Requirements • Pass WAGE Test With 100 % Accuracy • Have Current Resume on File • Register with Dept. of Workforce Services • Complete Job Readiness Training – Minimum of 12 hours • Pass Computer Literacy Tests—85% • TABE Test— Minimum of 9.0 GLE in Reading, Math, Language

30. Industrial Certificate Requirements • Pass WAGE Test with 100% Accuracy • Score 12.9 GLE on “A” Level TABE Test in Reading, Math, Language • Pass Mech. Aptitude & Spatial Relations Tests • Pass Manual Dexterity Tests • Pass Computer Literacy Tests • Have Current Resume on File • Register with Dept. of Workforce Services

31. Clerical Certificate Requirements • Pass WAGE Test with 100% Accuracy • Score 12.9 GLE on “A” Level TABE Test in Reading, Math, Language • Type 45 words a minute • Pass Word Processing & Spreadsheet Tests • Pass Computer Literacy Tests • Have Current Resume on File • Register with Dept. of Workforce Services

32. Other Industry Specific Certificates Bank Teller Offered January 2010

33. Bank Teller Certificate Requirements • Score 12.9 GLE on “A” Level TABE • Keyboarding: 20 wpm 10Key: 50 npm • Prepare Resume • Register with DWS • Pass Career Skills lessons: including customer service, business etiquette, communication • Pass Computer Literacy Tests • Score 100% Web-based WAGE Test

34. Customer Service Certificates—Offered January 2011

35. Customer Service I Requirements • Score 9.0 GLE on TABE • Interest & Aptitude Inventory • Score 100% on Web-based WAGE Test • Pass Career Skills Lessons including: problem solving, teamwork, business etiquette, workplace ethics, communication • Pass Computer Literacy Courses • Prepare Resume • Register with DWS

36. Customer Service II-Requirements • Score 12.9 GLE on “A” Level TABE • Write Customer Service Essay • Take Interest and Aptitude Inventory • Score 100% on Web-based WAGE Test • Pass Career Skills Lessons • Pass Computer Literacy Courses • Keyboarding 20 wpm • Prepare Resume • Register with DWS • Ability to use Office machines

37. WAGE™ Competencies--Math • M1 Reading, writing, and counting single and multiple digit whole numbers. • M2 Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing single and multiple digit numbers. • M3 Using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to solve problems. • M4 Rounding off single and multiple digit numbers to complete a task or subtask. • M5 Comparing whole numbers to determine variations. • M6 Reading and writing common fractions to complete a task or subtask. • M7 Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing common fractions to solve problems. • M8 Comparing decimal and proper fractions to determine variation. • M9 Carrying our arithmetic computations involving dollars and cents. • M10 Reading and writing decimals to one or more places to complete a task or subtask. • M11 Rounding off decimals to one or more places to complete a task. • M12 Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing decimals to one or more places. • M13 Reading, writing, and computing percents to complete a task or subtask. • M14 Using percents to determine increase or decrease. NOTE: Bold face indicates Core Competencies

38. Web-Based Test Sample Questions Bill was told by his supervisor to adjust the machine to sixty seven hundredths of a centimeter.Which number below should he use to adjust the machine?.067.67.00676.7

39. Math-- cont. • M15 Converting fractions to decimals, percents to fractions, fractions to percents, percents to decimals, common fractions or mixed numbers to decimal fractions, and decimals fractions to common fractions or mixed numbers to complete a task or subtask. • M16 Solving problems by selecting and using correct order of operations. • M17 Computing averages, ranges, means, medians, rations, or proportions. • M18 Reading numbers or symbols from time, weight, distance, and volume measuring scales. • M19 Using a measuring device to determine an object’s weight, distance, and volume in standard or metric units. • M20 Performing basic metric conversions involving weight, distance, and volume. • M21 Using a calculator to perform basic arithmetic operations to solve problems. • M22 Determining if a solution to a mathematical problem is reasonable. • M23 Estimating answers to a mathematical problem when an exact answer is not needed. • M24 Reading a bar, line, circle, or other graph to analyze interpret or compare data points. • M25 Using descriptive statistics to describe data. • M26 Solving problems using a systematic method. • M27 Applying geometric functions to determine the properties, measurement, and relationships of points, lines, angles surfaces, and/or solids.

40. Use a calculator to answer the following question. What is 25.56% of 1,243,759 rounded to the nearest whole number.31,790317,9053,179

41. Jack must change measurements of bolts from fractions to decimals in order to correctly set up the metal lathe machine. The current bolts he is using measure 3/8". On what decimal should the machine be set? .550.3850.3750.4

42. WAGE™ Competencies --Communication • C1 Speaking clearly and using language easily understood by the listener. • C2 Speaking to inform another or to provide information. • C3 Speaking to inquire or to collect information. • C4 Speaking to persuade another. • C5 Speaking politely, with respect to cultural diversity, regardless of personal feelings. • C6 Speaking at a rate easily understood by the listener. • C7 Speaking at a volume appropriate of the circumstances and the message. • C8 Structuring spoken inquiries so that listener responds appropriately. • C9 Restructuring a message, when necessary, to facilitate listener understanding. • C10 Using proper telephone etiquette. • C11 Using task-related words in the proper context. • C12 Using tonal expression to facilitate communication, cooperation, and goodwill. • C13 Using vocabulary appropriate to the circumstances and the message. • C14 Understanding the meaning of and possessing self-awareness of body gestures. • C15 Understanding the meaning of and possessing self-awareness of facial gestures.

43. Mia, with a local bank, says that customer service is the most important part of her job. Communication skills are essential for bank tellers so that they may offer their customers the best service possible. While at a drive through window it is determined that a person who is not a customer must come inside the bank to provide their FINGERPRINT ON THE FRONT OF THE CHECK. What is the "best statement" below that Mia should say to a customer at the drive through window to persuade them to come inside the bank?A. "Mr. Smith, if it is not too much to ask, would you do me a favor and come inside so that your fingerprint can be obtained?"B. "Mr. Smith, would you mind coming inside so that I can get your fingerprint on the check?"C. "Mr. Smith, it is imperative that I obtain your fingerprint."D. "Mr. Smith, you need to come inside to give me your fingerprint."

44. Communication—Cont. • C16 Understanding the meaning of and possessing self-awareness of posture. • C17 Understanding the meaning of and possessing self-awareness of tonal expression. • C18 Listening to advise, assist, or enable. • C19 Listening to facilitate cooperation, goodwill, or teamwork. • C20 Listening to learn or understand. • C21 Listening for nonverbal clues, tonal expression, emotions. • C22 Listening to obtain information to solve problems, make decisions. • C23 Listening for omissions of information. • C24 Recognizing the main intent of a spoken message. • C25 Recognizing and organizing details of a spoken message. • C26 Recognizing probable meaning of unclear communication by using context clues. • C27 Screening irrelevant information and distractions. • C28 Sorting relevant from irrelevant information. • C29 Verifying accuracy by restating/repeating message. • C30 Verifying comprehension by asking questions.

45. Reading • R1 Recognizing and using task-related words, abbreviations, acronyms, and codes. • R2 Identify factual details and specifications within a text. • R3 Following sequential procedural directions to complete a task. • R4 Determining the main idea of printed media or an activity. • R5 Using table of contents, indices, or screen menus to locate information. • R6 Locating pages, titles, paragraphs or charts needed to answer questions or solve problems. • R7 Skimming or scanning to determine whether text contains relevant information. • R8 Cross-referencing within a document or program screens to locate information. • R9 Using a completed form to locate information to compete a task. • R10 Combining task-related information from multiple sources. • R11 Selecting parts of text, visual materials, or an activity to complete a task. • R12 Identifying similarities and differences in objects. • R13 Determining the presence of a defect or damage. • R14 Classifying or matching objects by color, size, or significant marking. • R15 Classifying, sorting, or arranging documents. • R16 Distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant information in text or visuals.

46. Sample Reading Question The photo is of Ozark Bath House in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Hot Springs takes its name from the natural thermal water that flows from 47 springs on the western slope of Hot Springs Mountain in the historic downtown district of the city. About a million gallons of 143-degree water flow from the springs each day. The rate of flow is not affected by fluctuations in the rainfall in the area. Studies by National Park Service scientists have determined through carbon dating that the water that reaches the surface in Hot Springs fell as rainfall in an as-yet undetermined watershed 4,000 years earlier.According to the above text, how much water flows from the hot springs each day?A. No hot water, only cold flows.B. Four thousand gallons.C. It fluctuates according to rainfall.D. About a million gallons.

47. Reading—Cont. • R17 Using common knowledge for safety. • R18 Applying preventative measures prior to task to minimize problems. • R19 Knowing appropriate procedure for emergencies. • R20 Selecting appropriate course of action in emergency. • R21 Reading two or more column charts to obtain information. • R22 Locating chart information at intersections of rows and columns. • R23 Cross-referencing charted information within printed media. • R24 Applying information from tables, graphs or flow charts to locate malfunctions or selected actions. • R25 Using flow charts to sequence events, arrive at a decision, or problem solve. • R26 Identifying components within a schematic. • R27 Isolating problem components in schematics, tracing to cause of problem. • R28 Identifying details, labels, numbers, parts of an illustration, parts from a key or legend. • R29 Following sequenced illustrations as a guide. • R32 Making inferences or drawing conclusions from printed media. • R33 Interpreting codes and symbols. • R34 Identifying objectives, intent, and all essential and supporting details of a document.

48. Writing • W1 Spelling task-related words and abbreviations correctly. • W2 Writing key technical words and abbreviations correctly. • W3 Writing symbols accurately. • W4 Keyboarding accurately. • W5 Entering appropriate information onto a form. • W6 Recording essential information that involves more than one sentence. • W7 Recording essential information in phrases or simple sentences accurately and precisely • W8 Transferring numbers, codes, dates, and figures from written sources onto appropriate sections or a form. • W9 Writing a report including necessary support documentation or classification. • W10 Writing brief, descriptive accounts of activities or transactions performed.

49. Writing—cont. • W11 Outlining a situation by identifying key ideas and supporting details. • W12 Summarizing essential details for a written communication. • W13 Selecting relevant details for a written communication. • W14 Stating general impressions of an event or situations as they relate to specific reporting goals. • W15 Summarizing events and precise dialogue in an accurate, complete, and objective manner. • W16 Summarizing the major points presented in a written communication. • W17 Generating a written communication according to a specific format. • W18 Identifying objectives, intent, target audience of a written communication. • W19 Generating a written communication, arranging events sequentially. • W20 Generating written presentation of proposed courses of action, justifying one over the other. • W21 Appraising a written communication and making adjustments to improve clarity.

50. Arkansas WAGE™ Locations