workreadiness

Work readiness, sometimes written as workreadiness, is the degree to which an individual has the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to enter, participate in, and succeed in the labor market. It encompasses technical competencies, soft skills, and professional behaviors, as well as foundational literacy, numeracy, and digital skills.

Key components include foundational skills (reading, writing, mathematics and digital literacy), soft skills (communication, teamwork, problem solving, and adaptability), job-specific competencies, and professional behaviors such as punctuality, reliability, and ethical conduct. These elements are often shaped by education, training, and work experience and may be supported by certifications or credentials relevant to particular industries.

Assessment methods for work readiness include standardized tests, situational judgment exercises, work simulations, portfolios, and structured interviews. Programs to develop work readiness range from school-to-work transitions and career and technical education to apprenticeships, internships, employer-led training, and public workforce development initiatives. Collaboration among schools, training providers, and employers is commonly emphasized to ensure alignment with labor market needs.

Outcomes measured include employment rate and time to first job, job retention, earnings growth, and progression into higher skill roles, as well as user satisfaction and alignment with local labor market needs. Stakeholders include students and job seekers, educators, employers, labor organizations, and policymakers. Related concepts include employability, career readiness, and career pathways.

Critics note that definitions of work readiness vary by context, and there is a risk of narrowing education to job-specific tasks or ignoring broader social and economic barriers. Effective programs typically emphasize transferable skills, equitable access, and ongoing opportunities for skill development.