To make workers in Wilkes County more competitive in the job market, testing for the Work Ready program is set for next week.

“Having a Work Keys Certificate gets you to the front of the line when an employer is interviewing. Having the first shot at a job is very important in today’s economy,” said David Jenkins. “This testing will give workers a Work Keys Certificate that is used by employers in their job screening and job interview process.”

The upcoming Work Ready testing is set for Tuesday, February 23, at 5:30 p.m., and Saturday, February 27, at 9 a.m. in the computer lab at Washington-Wilkes Comprehensive High School.

“Washington-Wilkes is trying to become a Work Ready Community,” Jenkins said, “so that we can be more attractive to expanding businesses and businesses wishing to locate in Georgia. Washington- Wilkes is currently at a disadvantage in this area. We are looking for 21 persons currently employed in the private sector in order to become a Work Ready Community. We have sufficient tests in the other qualification categories.”

Interested persons should call Jenkins at 706-678-4654 to preregister. They need to provide their first name, last name, date of birth and the last four digits of their Social Security Number.

The Work Ready website is: www. gaworkready.org.