DAVIESS CO., KY (WFIE) -
Daviess County has been designated a official Work Ready county and that means local officials have to make sure residents improve their skills and education for the next two years.
To keep the certification, school officials and the Economic Development Corporation are focusing on certain skills at an earlier age.
Employees at Bill's Restaurant are ready to work, and so is the entire workforce of Daviess County.
With an official Work Ready status, any business looking to expand here can know they have people with the right skills to do the job.
"As you look at opportunities for projects to come our way, we hope this is simply going to be one of those things that will attract some of that attention," said EDC President Nick Brake.
Brake says for the next two years, leaders will continue to help Owensboro grow.
A new goal is to help students in high school and college brush up on soft skills.
"It's a great idea. It's important for kids to learn the importance of being on time showing up to work on time and learning life skills," said owner of Bill's Restaurant Bill Hughes.
Hughes says knowing he has hired a reliable employee with a great attitude and work ethic is valuable.
Schools are looking into the idea of having students in high school and college become certified in soft skills before applying for work.
"We're hoping employees will start asking for that certificate where students have shown that they're working toward a better understanding and eventually a better performance of soft skills in the work place," said Community Campus Coordinator Marsha Carpenter.
Hughes says that certification would work great for any business looking to hire dependable employees.
"It would be something else to add to their resume. It would prove to me they're already had some kind of experience," Hughes told 14 News.
The county will reapply for recertification in two years and officials hope to see an increase the number of residents with college degrees from 32% to 39% in the next five years.
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