Recruiting Employer Partners
14 Steps for Educators in Linking Business and Education

 1. Contact the CEO, plant manager, director of human resources or someone who anticipates a shortage of qualified employees and can decide or influence a decision to do something positive to solve the manpower problem.

2. Make a 20- to 30-minute appointment with that person. Before going to the appointment, try to anticipate the employer’s needs and interests. Recognize that employers must make a profit to stay in business.

3. Point out to the employer that your school is participating in High Schools That Work, a school improvement initiative designed to strengthen high schools and increase student achievement.

4. Explain that a structured and integrated school-based and work-based learning system enables youth to see the need for academic studies and helps them become better students and better employees in the future.

5. Ask the employer to partner with the school to employ one or more student interns during the summer.

6. Point out that participation benefits employers, educators, students and parents. Employers can participate at any level.

7. Explain that the employer will need to provide a workplace mentor for each student. The mentors will participate in mentor training.

8. Discuss liability and insurance issues. Employers will interview and select the student interns after the school has screened the applicants. If a company pays proper attention to safety standards, a 16- or 17-year-old youth can engage in learning experiences in many jobs classified as hazardous.

9. Invite the employer to visit the school to observe the current educational environment. Make sure the visit is a positive experience.

10. Explain to the employer how to contact you, the principal or another designated person at the school to ensure ease of communication.

11. Plan a calendar of events to nurture the partnership without requiring too much time and energy.

12. Volunteer to help the employer in areas such as recruiting applicants and scheduling the school building for meetings or training sessions.

13. Contact the employer periodically so that he or she knows the effort is still alive and well.

14. Provide school site staff development. Produce newsletters and other promotional items.