Creating a talent pipeline

Whenever the economy suffers, younger workers often experience higher unemployment rates because they lack the experience necessary to obtain a position. However, smart companies will look at this time as an opportunity to forge relationships with educational institutions and gain access to a population eager to learn and willing to work.{{more}}

Business school partnerships are not new but schools and businesses have become accustomed to the traditional definition of asking for and receiving sponsorship dollars for activities. Businesses should begin to see their role as much more and actively look for ways to build a pipeline of future workers

Let’s look at a few ways businesses can engage young people to think about their future careers while still in school.

1. Hold career panels. Many students have no idea what kind of careers is available to them beyond doctor, lawyer, nurse or policeman. If a student only sees a few career options visible around them and they have limited or no other opportunities to see other careers in action, they will eventually become what they are familiar with.

2. Hold job shadow day. Hold a National Job Shadow day where parents can bring their children to work and employees without young ones can still make themselves available to other children with an interest in their field.

3. Offer vacation internships. Students who have demonstrated an interest in a particular field should be able to compete for internships with their field.

4. Offer prizes to the younger students for things like perfect attendance or timely arrivals as these are important values as a employee.

5. Allow employees in the school. Whether it’s reading to the younger students or being a guest speaker for the older students, companies should see this as an opportunity to build the next generation of workers.

There are those who may believe that the emphasis should be on academics. Yes, that is true, but schools are supposed to prepare students for life, and a major part of life is working, yet the majority of schools emphasize proficiency in taking tests instead of offering a well-rounded approach to education.

To Your Success!

Karen Hinds is “The Workplace Success Expert” For a FREE SPECIAL REPORT on 7 Ways to Develop your Competitive Edge in the Workplace, send an email to info@workplacesuccess.com Visit online at www.workplacesuccess.com