SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 63

46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2004

INTRODUCED BY

Sue Wilson Beffort

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT THE STATE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD APPOINT A SUBCOMMITTEE TO STUDY THE FEASIBILITY OF IMPLEMENTING A WORKPLACE READINESS CERTIFICATION PROGRAM.

     WHEREAS, many New Mexico employers report that they are unable to hire employees because the prospective workforce entrants lack basic workplace-relevant skills; and

     WHEREAS, a need exists to measure the workplace-relevant skill levels of New Mexico's prospective workforce entrants to set educational system standards and to quantify the effectiveness of New Mexico's educational system for employability; and

     WHEREAS, a need exists for New Mexico to demonstrate the capability and size of its workforce to prospective employers so they may consider moving to or expanding operations in the state; and

     WHEREAS, quality assessments are available to provide prospective workforce entrants with credentials that will assist them in qualifying for jobs matched to their skill levels; and

     WHEREAS, these assessments may also provide constructive feedback to prospective workforce entrants about their true skill levels so that the entrants may participate in remedial or additional education to move into their desired positions; and

     WHEREAS, other states, including Kentucky and Louisiana, have successfully implemented a workplace readiness certification program that matches a prospective workforce entrant's skills level with an employer's required workplace skills; and

     WHEREAS, a workplace readiness certification program may improve the overall competitiveness and attractiveness of New Mexico's workforce;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the state workforce development board be requested to appoint a subcommittee of representatives from the state's workforce support agencies and programs, state and regional workforce development boards, public school and higher education workforce training providers and the business community to work through the governor's office of workforce training and development to study the feasibility of implementing a workplace readiness certification program in one-stop career centers, community colleges and public schools; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the state workforce development board subcommittee study include information on the implementation of workforce readiness certification programs in other states, the necessary assessment tools, an implementation plan, a time line and funding requirements; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the state workforce development board subcommittee submit its findings to key employer groups, training providers and workforce agencies for comment and input and submit recommendations through the governor's office of workforce training and development to the appropriate legislative interim committees prior to November 1, 2004; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the office of workforce training and development, state and local workforce development boards, the labor department, the economic development department, the human services department, the public education department, the association of community colleges, the association of commerce and industry and other publicly funded workforce support program organizations.

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