The State Workforce Innovation Council (SWIC) views the development and adoption of a community and employer recognized Work Ethic Certificate (WEC) as an important tool that can help provide a pipeline of skilled high school graduates into today’s workforce. The employability skills recognized in the Governor’s WEC have been vetted by Hoosier employers, community based organizations and post-secondary education institutions and are designed to encourage students to meet the benchmarks that will assist them in their college or career goals.
One aspect of our College and Career Readiness Initiative is the Governor’s Work Ethic Certification program. There are a limited number of schools in Indiana who are currently providing this opportunity to students. Earning this certificate is a way for students to demonstrate that they possess the employability and character skills needed to be successful as they enter post-secondary institutions, apprenticeships, the military, or the workforce.
Students receiving the GWEC are measured in nine areas of academic and work ethic competency. Five subjective measures (persistence, respectfulness, teamwork, initiative, and efficiency) will require three staff members each to sign stating the student has met these requirements. Students must also complete 6 hours of community service, have a GPA of 2.0 or higher, meet all graduation requirements, have an attendance rate of 98%* or better, four or fewer sign-ins/sign-outs, or tardies to school, and one or fewer discipline referrals for the year.
Our next step is to continue working with our business community and post-secondary institutions to determine how they will commit their support of this program and to the students earning the certificate. Based on feedback we have received from the local business community, it is obvious that they place great value on employees being at work on a regular basis and on time, being able to work with others, being able to solve problems, and being a self-starter. The goal this year is to partner with businesses in the local and surrounding area that will honor the GWEC.
Please encourage your child/children to participate in this program. Students can sign up for the program in the OVHS office. If you have any questions, please contact Lori Walsh at 812-829-2266.