Texarkana College and Texarkana Chamber of Commerce Partner to Bring ACT WorkKeys Curriculum to Workforce Students

Texarkana College, in partnership with the Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce, has integrated the ACT WorkKeys Essential Skills Curriculum into its LEAD 1100 Workforce Development with Critical Thinking course for students in the Workforce program. This initiative is designed to equip students with the foundational skills employers are seeking, ultimately preparing them for the opportunity to earn the National Career Readiness Certificate, also known as the NCRC.

The ACT WorkKeys Essential Skills Curriculum focuses on a holistic approach to workplace success by covering the soft skills that are also critical in the workplace. Skills like integrity, work ethic, collaboration, and leadership. These skills are considered a high priority for employers across multiple industries. The NCRC certifies their proficiency in fundamental skills that are needed in nearly every industry: applied math, graphic literacy, and workplace documents. According to ACT research, 97 percent of jobs require these skills. Students are eligible to earn the NCRC, which is awarded at four levels: bronze, silver, gold, and platinum, based on individual performance.

For job seekers, the NCRC provides a competitive edge, signaling to employers that they have taken extra steps to prepare for the workforce. For employers, the certificate helps reduce uncertainty in hiring by clearly identifying candidates with proven, job-ready skills. The existing employers need dependable and well-rounded employees. By combining the implementation of the essential skills curriculum along with students earning their NCRC, these students will have a competitive advantage when transitioning from education to career.

“Texarkana College has integrated ACT WorkKeys into its workforce programs to ensure students are equipped with nationally recognized career readiness credentials,” Thomas Holt, Director of Texarkana College’s Workforce Education. “This adoption supports our commitment to aligning training with employer expectations, enhancing job placement outcomes, and validating essential workplace skills across industries.”

Texarkana College continues to prioritize giving students the tools and credentials needed to succeed after graduation. By integrating the ACT WorkKeys Essential Skills Curriculum, students gain not only technical training but also the foundational skills employer’s demand.

Through this collaboration, Texarkana College students will have the opportunity to earn multiple industry-recognized credentials during their time in the Workforce program, with the NCRC serving as a clear signal of their competency, commitment, and efficiency in fundamental workplace skills.