Bob Manning
Educational Consultant
School-Business partnerships are trending. Districts have always known that connections to the local business community bring industry expertise, funding for equipment and can help build support for levies and bonds. The increase in community partnerships has been fueled more recently by employers who see these partnerships as key to building a talent pipeline at a time when labor shortages are a top concern.
But these should not be the sole motivation for building those relationships. In order to create an effective and sustainable partnership, employers and schools need to agree on a common mission to develop the young people who will become our future workforce.
The best employees have jobs that match their skills and interests in an organization with whom they feel connected. Partnerships between schools and businesses help young people explore careers and develop skills through real world experiences, allowing them to connect their passions and talents to an occupation.
The latest generation of workers, or GenZ, is looking for more work-life balance and personal well-being, yet they are also inquisitive and industrious, especially in the right environment. According to Forbes, “Surprise, Millennials and Gen-Z Workers Are More Loyal Than You Think,” our newest employees will also stick with companies that provide a competitive salary, a sense of purpose embedded into the corporate culture, and continuous professional and personal development.
Although the labor shortage impacting virtually every industry requires action to fill positions immediately, a more altruistic approach has long term, mutual benefits and can help organizations improve retention as well as find new hires.
At a time when companies face both hiring and retention issues, school-business partnerships provide opportunities for organizations to connect with employees that are more likely to remain loyal because they found a career and company that suits them. Although the labor shortage impacting virtually every industry requires action to fill positions immediately, a more altruistic approach has long term, mutual benefits and can help organizations improve retention as well as find new hires. The problem with a short term focus is that just hiring a body is what often leads to poor performing staff.
Many adults (young and old) are looking for ways to give back to their community, to share their knowledge and wisdom gained through years of experience, and make an impact in the world. Pathways programs (sometimes called Academies) offer opportunities for students to have career conversations with professionals in fields of interest, as well as other offerings such as facility tours, job shadowing, real-world projects and internships. By partnering with a high school college and career readiness program, businesses can help their current employees feel more connected to their work and build positive corporate culture while they create relationships with potential new hires.
Schools should realize this opportunity and invest the time and resources to create solid college-career readiness programs. Forming partnerships with local businesses, chambers of commerce, and parents will pay dividends for their students and the district as a whole. Local employers can provide updated equipment, know-how and industry insights for staff, and students will be more prepared for success after they graduate.
Thriving districts have solid community relationships that support their schools through volunteers and support for levies. With the right mindset, a common goal and an investment in the long term mission of building a high quality workforce for a community, business-education partnerships are a rewarding approach to developing the talent we all need for success.
