Building Bridges to the Workforce: Why Employers Must Partner with High Schools

The modern workforce is rapidly evolving, and the path to a sustainable career looks vastly different than it did just a decade ago. For employers facing talent shortages, particularly in technical and skilled trades, engaging with high schools is one of the most strategic investments they can make. By connecting with students early, employers can help them discover career pathways, align with relevant Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs, and ultimately cultivate a well-prepared and diverse talent pipeline.

This approach addresses workforce needs and creates life-changing opportunities for students, especially young women, and individuals from underserved communities. Here’s why engaging with high schools is not just important but essential.

The Workforce Gap: A Growing Concern

Industries like manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and IT are grappling with significant workforce shortages. As seasoned employees retire, the next generation often lacks awareness of these fields' opportunities. Many students and their families remain unaware of the benefits of technical careers, including high wages, job security, and opportunities for advancement.

This gap between industry demand and talent supply is exacerbated by outdated perceptions of certain jobs, particularly in traditionally male-dominated fields. Encouraging employers to collaborate with schools and CTE programs can demystify these careers and make them accessible to a broader range of students.

Why High School Engagement Matters

1. Career Awareness Starts Early

High school is a critical period for career exploration. Many students are deciding their post-graduation paths—whether to pursue college, training programs or enter the workforce directly. Employers who engage with students during this formative time can open doors to options they may never have considered.

Career fairs, guest speakers, job shadowing, and workplace tours allow students to experience what a career might look like in real life. Highlighting roles in advanced manufacturing, healthcare technology, or engineering can spark interest and motivate students to pursue related CTE coursework.

2. Alignment with CTE Programs

CTE programs are designed to provide students with hands-on, practical training that aligns with industry needs. However, these programs are most effective when informed by real-world input. Employers can work with schools to shape CTE curricula, ensuring students learn the skills most relevant to local industries.

For example, an employer specializing in robotics can partner with schools to develop a robotics module or donate equipment for a STEM lab. These collaborations ensure students graduate with skills that directly translate to workforce readiness.

3. Building a Future Talent Pipeline

Employers can begin cultivating relationships with future employees by engaging with high schools. Internships, apprenticeships, and mentorship programs established during high school can lead to long-term recruitment opportunities.

These efforts also reduce training costs for employers, as students enter the workforce with a strong foundation in relevant skills.

Reaching Underserved Communities

Breaking Barriers for Women in Nontraditional Roles

In many technical and skilled trades, women remain underrepresented. For example, only about 30% of manufacturing jobs are held by women, despite the industry's growing need for skilled workers. High school engagement presents an opportunity to address this imbalance.

Employers can encourage female students to explore nontraditional careers by featuring women in leadership roles during outreach events, offering female-focused mentorship programs, and highlighting stories of women excelling in these fields. When young women see role models who look like them thriving in technical careers, it breaks down stereotypes and inspires confidence.

Expanding Access for Underserved Communities

Reaching students in underserved communities is another critical aspect of high school engagement. These students often lack access to resources, information, and networks that could guide them toward lucrative career paths. Employers can play a pivotal role by:

• Partnering with schools in low-income areas.

• Offering scholarships for technical training.

• Creating outreach programs that directly target underrepresented groups.

Programs like paid internships or apprenticeships for underserved students provide invaluable experience and help break poverty cycles by connecting students to stable, high-paying careers.

Real-World Success Stories

Case Study: Women in Welding Initiative

A regional manufacturing company partnered with local high schools to host “Women in Welding” workshops. The program introduced female students to welding through hands-on activities and mentorship from women welders. Many participants later enrolled in the company’s apprenticeship program, with several advancing to leadership roles within five years.

Case Study: Bridging the Digital Divide

A tech company collaborated with a high school in an underserved area to establish a coding boot camp. Students who completed the program were offered paid internships, and some secured full-time roles upon graduation. The initiative filled the company’s talent gaps and empowered students with life-changing opportunities.

Mutual Benefits of Engagement

For students, high school-employer partnerships provide clarity about career options, access to real-world experience, and a sense of purpose. For employers, these efforts yield a skilled, motivated workforce aligned with their needs.

Beyond workforce readiness, such partnerships foster goodwill and strengthen the community. Employers who invest in local education build a reputation as leaders committed to the future—not just for their business but for the region.

Call to Action: Investing in the Future

Employers, the time to act is now. Partnering with high schools is not just an act of corporate responsibility; it’s a strategic move to secure your workforce for years to come. Here are a few actionable steps to get started:

1. Collaborate with CTE Programs: Contact local schools and technical education centers to learn how your industry can influence their curriculum.

2. Host Career Exploration Events: Invite students to tour your facilities, meet employees, and learn about career paths.

3. Mentor Underrepresented Groups: Develop mentorship or scholarship programs for women and underserved students.

4. Offer Internships and Apprenticeships: Create pathways for high school students to gain hands-on experience while still in school.

Together, educators and employers can bridge the gap between education and employment, paving the way for a skilled, diverse, and ready-for-the-future workforce. The rewards—both for the students and the industries they’ll shape—are immeasurable.

Let’s build those bridges. The next generation is counting on us.