Building tomorrow’s workforce: why employers should partner with schools

Employers have been shaping education since the public school system began. From launching career and technical education (CTE) programs to supporting student opportunities, businesses have always influenced how the next generation is prepared for success.

Today, as workforce shortages grow and skilled talent becomes harder to find, employers face an important question: should they invest in school partnerships? The evidence is clear—engagement benefits both students and employers.

The benefits of CTE partnerships for employers

Work-based learning and school collaboration have long been proven to improve student outcomes, including motivation, performance, and career readiness. But employers gain equally important advantages:

• A deeper labor pool: Workforce development depends on exposing students early to career opportunities that align with their aptitudes. With Baby Boomers retiring, this is critical for closing skills gaps.
• Stronger local pipelines: When students see career options in their own communities, they’re more likely to stay, strengthening local economies and industries.
• Employee engagement: Research shows that employees who mentor students or support schools have higher morale and stronger loyalty to their companies.
• Enhanced community reputation: Partnering with schools improves relationships with stakeholders, regulators, vendors, and the public.

Best practices for employer engagement

Schools and businesses operate differently. Employers who succeed in partnerships understand these key realities:

• Schools move cautiously: Unlike businesses, they can’t risk disrupting student learning with untested changes.
• Consensus matters: School leaders must involve teachers, administrators, and families before approving major shifts.
• Education comes first: Students are learners before they’re workers, so activities must prioritize skill-building and educational outcomes.

Ways employers can support schools

Employers don’t need massive budgets to make a difference. Start with simple, high-impact activities:

• Work-based learning: Guest speaking, job shadows, internships, or site visits.
• Advisory boards: Guide CTE program design so it reflects industry needs.
• Teacher externships: Provide real-world experiences that educators can bring back to their classrooms.
• Recruitment support: Help schools attract more students to in-demand programs.
• Advocacy – Champion local schools in front of policymakers and business leaders.
• Curriculum alignment: Offer input, resources, or even teaching expertise when shortages arise.

How to measure workforce development impact

Like any business investment, school partnerships should be tied to ROI. One strategy is to build a logic model, a step-by-step plan that tracks progress from outreach to hires.

For example, if your company currently hires two welders per year but needs 10, your model could include:

• Engaging with CTE welding programs and sitting on advisory boards.
• Using YouScience® Brightpath to identify students with welding aptitudes early.
• Supporting recruiting and internships at both high schools and postsecondary programs.

Over time, you can measure progress at each stage: how many programs you’ve joined, how many students have entered, and how many ultimately become hires.

Support that makes the difference

Few schools, especially in CTE, have the resources they need. Employers can help by donating equipment, sponsoring competitions, providing trade materials, or funding scholarships. Even modest support can expand opportunities for students and strengthen local talent pipelines.

Conclusion

By investing in partnerships with schools, employers strengthen workforce development, engage their own employees, and create sustainable talent pipelines. These relationships don’t just benefit students—they ensure your business has the skilled workforce it needs for the future.

Read the full report here: Building Tomorrow’s Workforce PDF

Let’s shape tomorrow’s workforce together. Connect with our team to explore how YouScience Brightpath can help you identify talent early and strengthen your local workforce.