Ohio Dept. of Education Unveils Job Readiness Seal

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Education has announced that, beginning with the class of 2018, graduating high school seniors can earn the OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal.

Those earning the distinction will have the seal printed on their diplomas and added to their official transcripts.

“The 21st century workplace is rapidly changing, and businesses need to know graduates are leaving high school with job-ready professional skills,” said Paolo DeMaria, superintendent of public instruction, in a release. “Along with Ohio businesses, our team identified essential skills for workplace success and developed the OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal for students to demonstrate those attributes.”

The skills were identified in conjunction with the National Association of Colleges and Employers, Society for Human Resource Management, Partnership for 21st Century Skills and Corporate Voices for Working Families.

To earn the Readiness Seal, students must be deemed proficient in the program’s 15 job readiness skills ranging from work ethic to critical thinking to career management. A full list can be found here. Mentors must validate the seal and students are encouraged to go to mentors for letters of recommendation.

“Ohio businesses have expressed concern about a lack of soft skills among applicants,” said Ryan Burgess, Director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation. “The OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal will help Ohio’s graduates demonstrate to businesses that they have the skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century workplace.”

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.