What are the benefits of partnering with local communities in education?

If your business is finding it difficult to attract, hire, or maintain skilled trades professionals, you’re not alone. According to the workforce research firm ManpowerGroup, employers around the world have been facing this issue for some time now. Skilled trades positions, such as electricians, welders, pipe fitters, and mechanics, have repeatedly topped the list of the most difficult positions to fill. This shortage of skilled laborers can be attributed to factors like the Great Recession, the retirement surge among baby boomers, and the economic shutdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, there is a glimmer of hope. According to Advance CTE, there are approximately 12.5 million secondary and post-secondary students currently enrolled in career and technical education (CTE) programs across the country. This means that there is a pool of qualified individuals who are honing their skills in trade schools and vocational programs. By partnering with these educational institutions, businesses can benefit in various ways, including gaining a direct pipeline of talent, influencing the training of technicians, and increasing community exposure.

The Talent Pipeline

One of the significant benefits of partnering with CTE institutions is the talent pipeline it can provide to trade businesses. These institutions work closely with industry employers, trade associations, and government agencies to understand the exact workforce needs. By establishing a relationship with a local trade school, businesses can tap into this pipeline of skilled individuals who are looking for real-world work experience.

For example, Lake Area Technical College (LATC) in Watertown, SD, has developed a Registered Apprenticeship program in partnership with its industry partners. This program not only helps businesses overcome their workforce shortages but also provides students with valuable work experience in their field. By partnering with the college, businesses can directly benefit from this talent pipeline while contributing to the development of a well-trained workforce.

In the Classroom

CTE students graduate with a strong foundation in the latest tools and best practices in their field. By partnering with trade schools, businesses can ensure that graduates are trained and equipped with the necessary skills to meet industry demands. Many industry partners also consult on curriculum development, ensuring that the programs offered by trade schools are relevant and up-to-date.

In South Dakota, for example, LATC partners with over 300 businesses to provide a coherent and relevant educational experience that supports the state’s workforce demands. This collaboration between trade schools and industry ensures that the curriculum is aligned with the workforce’s needs and prepares students for successful careers.

How to Start the Conversation

Establishing a relationship with a local CTE institution may seem like an additional task for businesses already juggling multiple responsibilities. However, the benefits of such a partnership outweigh the effort required to initiate it. Starting a conversation with a trade school is often as simple as making a phone call.

Shane Swenson, director of outreach for LATC, advises businesses to reach out to their local CTE institution and inquire about advisory boards for specific programs of study. These advisory boards provide a platform for industry businesses to lend their expertise and help shape the curriculum to meet industry demands. Even if a local institution does not have an existing advisory board program, businesses can still offer their knowledge and insights to contribute to the college’s programming and benefit the local community.

By partnering with local communities in education, businesses can tap into a pool of skilled talent, influence the training of future professionals, and contribute to the development of a well-trained workforce. This collaboration is a win-win-win situation for students, industry employers, and the community at large.

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