Students will be able to earn Work Ethic Certification

Hardin County Schools unveiled a program Superintendent Nannette Johnston called a “win-win” for the district and the business community.

The district’s new Work Ethic Certification program and a partnership with the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce were outlined Wednesday at the chamber’s monthly luncheon.

Beginning next school year, seniors can receive a certification signifying they have necessary skills to succeed in the workforce. Participants also receive Junior Achievement Success Skills instruction from members of the chamber’s 2013 leadership class.

Johnston said the program will create a pipeline of trained workers for businesses. The district and chamber are asking for business support by granting job interviews to give students vital experience.

While working with business leaders on the new Early College and Career Center the district plans to open in August 2014, Johnston said businesses told her they were looking for employees who are ready to work and learn.

The certification will measure students on eight criteria — attendance and tardiness, personal responsibility and accountability, academic performance, work habits and persistence, punctuality, preparedness and organization, respectful interactions and communication, cooperation and teamwork and community service.

“We know instilling work ethic habits will not happen overnight,” Johnston said.

Johnston calls the criteria the “Great Eight” and said a month-long emphasis on the skills will be offered as part of Operation Preparation, a college and career advising program from the Kentucky Department of Education in which each district must focus on guiding students toward an effective future.

Chamber President and CEO Brad Richardson said the chamber has given scholarships to students, but this program would reach many more.

“We wanted to do something a little more inclusive,” Richardson said.

Kelly Cantrall can be reached at (270) 505-1747 or kcantrall@thenewsenterprise.com.

These are the “Great Eight” areas in which students will be measured for the Work Ethic Certification.

• Attendance and tardiness
• Personal responsibility and accountability
• Academic performance
• Work habits and persistence
• Punctuality, preparedness and organization
• Respectful interactions and communication
• Cooperation and teamwork
• Community service