Gordon County is one step closer to being a Certified Work Ready Community.

The Work Ready program was founded in 2007 by Gov. Sonny Perdue in an effort to improve the educational levels of Georgia’s workers.

The Certified Work Ready program is financed through state and federal grant funding set aside to improve the state vocational standing. The program provides Georgia citizens with free educational assessments and measures a person’s skill and educational levels, as well as their ability to learn or progress over time. The program also helps potential employees learn new skills that will benefit them through free online training programs.

According to Gordon Count Chamber of Commerce Director of Communications Joni Harbin, the county has met all of the requirements to become work ready, except those that fall under the private sector numbers. Harbin said Tuesday that the county lacked 174 “test takers” within the private sector.

The test is open to anyone, and Harbin said those not working government jobs are needed to meet the private sector qualifications.

“In terms of economic development, being Work Ready Certified show companies that we have a certified and talented work force,” Harbin said. “It is attractive to potential companies.”

Last week, Gov. Sonny Perdue and Georgia Chamber of Commerce President and CEO George M. Israel III announced the launch of Hire Work Ready, a new initiative designed to provide funding to small businesses that hire Work Ready certified employees.

Companies employing 50 or fewer people are eligible to receive $250 per certified Work Ready individual hired, up to $1,250 total, to assist with hiring and training costs. The funding for Hire Work Ready comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

Since small businesses fall within the private sector, those taking the test within the private realm would qualify under the Hire Work Ready initiative.

Harbin says it is important for job seekers to take the test because being certified as an individual makes job seekers more attractive to employers.

“They are showing that they are ready, skilled and qualified for the job,” Harbin said.

Those wishing to take the test may contact Harbin at the Chamber of Commerce by calling 706-625-3200.

The test is given at the Northwest Technical College in Calhoun each Thursday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and each second Monday of the month from 5p.m. – 9 p.m.

“It is a four hour test, so it is a lengthy commitment,” Harbin said.

Those wishing to register will need to do so two weeks before their chosen test date.

Georgia small businesses may apply for the reimbursement by visiting the Work Ready Web site (www.gaworkready.org) and following the “Hire Work Ready” link under the “Employers” tab to complete a short application. To be eligible, firms must participate in a Work Ready information session and be in good financial standing with the state.

Picture slug is Bigbrother0217:”Big Warrior, Little Warrior” is a new mentoring club at Gordon Central High School that helps promote school spirit, good grades and encouragement. From left: “Bigs” Melanie Flood (left) and Kevin Caldera (right) with their “Little,” Blaize, during a Tolbert Elementary School visit.