RoyOMartin was named the inaugural 2026 ACT Work Ready Employer of Choice for its innovative approach to workforce development and skills-based hiring. The award was presented during the ACT Summit in Nashville, TN. ACT recognized five organizations and institutions across five distinct Work Ready Organization categories, with RoyOMartin selected as the sole recipient of the Work Ready Employer of Choice designation.
RoyOMartin began using ACT® WorkKeys®—a system that assesses and develops essential workplace skills—and the National Career Readiness Certificate in its Louisiana hiring and talent-development strategies in 2011. The approach expanded to RoyOMartin’s Texas operation when it was established in 2014. Today, WorkKeys supports hiring and employee development across both states.
The recognition also highlights WoodWorks, RoyOMartin’s nearly 20-year workforce development program that connects high school students with manufacturing careers through education, mentoring, facility tours, and job fairs. It also recognizes Girls Can Too!, which encourages young women to pursue manufacturing and technical careers.
“Through WorkKeys, WoodWorks, and Girls Can Too!, we are helping students and team members recognize their potential and build the skills needed for meaningful careers,” said Dr. Donna Bailey, RoyOMartin vice president of human resources. “We are not simply filling jobs, we are building tomorrow’s workforce together.”