Construction and Skilled Trades (CAST) Test Preparation, Final Report for period 10/1/2016 - 03/31/2017
Within the energy and utilities sectors, the most significant barrier for consideration and submittal of diverse applicants for skilled labor opportunities is their inability to successfully pass the industry’s Construction And Skilled Trades (CAST) examination. The exam is collectively accepted as the benchmark for prospective candidates and assess if they have the baseline skills and knowledge to apply for skilled positions within those industries. It is an exam that was created by the Edison Electric Institute. Students were taught for a full 40-hr week M-F. We conducted one class in each of the following locations: Philadelphia, Chicago and Washington, DC. The students learned and practiced curriculum prepared by the utility industry for increased success for the examination. They were also taught how to successfully navigate the final barrier of employment opportunity: behavior-based interviewing. They were then directed to the website in order to apply for the positions they desired, and then scheduled to take the exam. We were targeting at least 70% of those who sit for the exam to pass the first time. If they were unsuccessful, candidates could re-test within 3 months. We then sent their resumes directly to the hiring recruiters and managers so that they received prime consideration. Our target number of applicants who were successful in being invited for interviews was 15 candidates.