In the mid 1990's, Workplace Readiness Skills came about as a result of UVA's Weldon Cooper Center being involved in employer interviews regarding entry-level employee skills. They interviewed 550 employers from across the state and the results of this study were summarized in Virginia's Changing Workplace:  Employers Speak (Martin, Carrier and Hill) published in 1997.  From this published study,  business leaders from Opportunity Inc (OppInc.) in Hampton Roads and educators from Virginia Beach partnered to create an invaluable CTE resource called Virginia Workplace Readiness Skills curriculum.  Workplace Readiness Skills are threaded throughout the total Education for Employment curriculum. Virginia schools were preparing students with academics and technical skills, but they were entering the job force lacking what employers term "soft skills."  These skills include not only the basic core skills such as reading, math, writing speaking & listening and computer literacy, but also a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, higher order thinking skills, a professional image, and solid communication skills. Equipped with the academics, technical skills, and workplace readiness expertise, today's Education for Employment students should better able to compete in the workplace and/or post-secondary education/training arenas.  Virginia Workplace Readiness lessons are highlighted and attached.