Did participation in the Conover Workplace® modules improve Nunez
Community College students’ work readiness?
Abstract
A mismatch remains between the skill sets employers seek in new hires
and the applicants’ skills. A quasi-experimental research design was
used to investigate whether students’ oral, written, and digital skill
sets were improved after participation in the Geaux Pro quality
enhancement program coursework, which included embedded Conover
Workplace Readiness® modules at Nunez Community College. Data were
analyzed using the (a) grades for quality enhancement program-dedicated
courses, (b) rubric scores from General Education Student Learning
Outcomes, (c) Likert-type scores from quality enhancement program
student workshop and training surveys, and (d) Likert-type scores from
Faculty workshop and Conover Workplace Readiness® module satisfaction
survey. The evidence (e.g., grades, mastery of learning outcomes) showed
significant improvement in students’ oral, written, and digital skills
after participation in Geaux Pro quality enhancement courses, workshops,
and Conover Workplace Readiness® modules, resulting in improved
employability skills. This study has implications for addressing
community college students’ work readiness.