Challenge:
Many positions require a High School Diploma or a High School Equivalency credential, such as the GED. In some ways, the GED is designed to be a stand-in for HS diploma and indicate that a student is qualified to do college work. It may be a higher-level credential than your job requires, however, and it may be a deterrent for some workers to apply for your position
Strategies:
Consider making it possible to work towards GED completion in the first six months of employment rather than requiring it up-front. Small bonuses or gift cards can help keep motivation high.
Consider whether or not the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) is a good alternative. The NCRC is a portable, evidence-based credential that documents essential skills needed for workplace success. This credential is used across all sectors of the economy and verifies the following cognitive skills:
- Problem solving
- Critical thinking
- Reading and using work-related text
- Applying information from workplace documents to solve problems
- Applying mathematical reasoning to work-related problems
- Comparing, summarizing, and analyzing information presented in multiple related graphics