Residents in the Great Lakes Bay Region who want to develop better workplace skills are encouraged to take advantage of the WorkKeys testing available at all local Michigan Works offices and Delta College.

WorkKeys measures skills that employers in the Great Lakes Bay Region believe are critical to job success including math, reading, applied technology, locating information, observation and teamwork.

Dow Corning and Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation now require applicants to complete the WorkKeys testing with a satisfactory score before being considered for open production operator positions within the company.

"By taking the initiative to complete these tests prior to applying, job candidates can better demonstrate the skills necessary for our production operator positions," explained Lynnette Keller, HR manager at Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation. "We currently anticipate a need for more production operators this fall. Anyone who is interested in these positions should take the WorkKeys testing this summer so they are ready to apply when the positions open."

The WorkKeys assessment can be scheduled through Michigan Works or Delta College. Each testing component takes approximately one hour to complete and costs $20. Scholarships are available for some applicants depending on their qualifications and availability of grant funding. Completion of the testing does not guarantee individuals will be selected for an interview.

Dow Corning and Hemlock Semiconductor Group require completion of six tests which include applied math, reading for information, applied technology, observation, locating information and teamwork.

To schedule testing, contact one of the agencies listed below.

Michigan Works in Midland, 1409 Washington, at (989) 631-3073, or in Saginaw at (989) 249-5232 or Bay City at (989) 667-0500.

Testing also is available through the Delta College LifeLong Learning Testing Services, www.delta.edu/lifelonglearning or (989)686-9444.