GED Testing Service has partnered with some of the nation’s largest employers and most recognizable brands—including Southeastern Grocers, Walmart, KFC and Taco Bell—to create GEDWorks, a comprehensive program free for employees who want to earn their GED credential.
The GEDWorks program includes everything an employee needs to successfully prepare for and pass the GED test. Students are provided access to a GED advisor, online GED study material, connections to local adult education programs, practice tests and more. GED advisors are a key element of GEDWorks and help guide, engage and motivate students. GEDWorks also helps keep graduates moving forward after completing the tests by connecting them with college and career pathways tools on GED.com.
GEDWorks is one indicator that national employers understand the value of the new GED program, which is focused on better preparing learners to compete in today’s job market and to successfully enter post-secondary education programs essential to most 21st century jobs. This effort also marks the first time national employers have banded together to support a program aimed solely at decreasing the number of adults without a high school diploma, an important step in improving the country’s economic competitiveness.
“Employers have invested in this national program with GED Testing Service to boost the education levels of their employees because they recognize the benefits of the enhanced GED program and the importance of education in the lives of their employees. The program offers a cost-effective way for employers to help adult learners achieve their goals and invest in their futures. Students earning a GED credential enhance their career prospects and earning potential,” said Randy Trask, president of GED Testing Service.
The support that employers show their participating employees is another key element of the GEDWorks program.
“Walmart believes that education is key to an associate’s personal and professional development,” said Michelle Knight, VP of talent development for Walmart U.S. “The opportunity to earn a market-valued credential helps our people gain skills to advance their career. Achieving success with the GEDWorks program is a gateway to opportunity.”
The program is free for learners; it is fully funded by employers. The only investment needed by students is time and energy to prepare for the test.
“Now that I have my GED, it takes away that little bit of shame and embarrassment (of not having graduated from high school),” said Courtney, an employee of Winn-Dixie/Southeastern Grocers in Alabama and one of the first graduates of the GEDWorks program. “My GED advisor was very encouraging and friendly throughout the process—she addressed all of the concerns I had along the way. I think others should go for it as well.”
