Schools, colleges and training providers can be a steady source of new workers when you work with them properly. This post covers the types of partnership, how to approach an institution and the mistakes that sour a relationship.
Partnerships with educational institutions connect businesses with people who are about to enter the workforce. Schools, TAFE colleges and training providers all want their students to find work, and businesses want reliable staff who have been trained properly. When the two sides work together, both gain.
This post is for employers who want to build links with education providers. It covers the types of partnership, how to approach an institution and the mistakes to avoid. If you are looking at ways to bring in new workers, see our guide to exploring different types of apprenticeships.
A partnership is simply an ongoing working relationship between a business and an educational institution. It can be small and informal or structured around a program.
Common forms include:
Choose the form that matches the time you have. A small business can start with one guest talk.
None of these results is guaranteed, and they take time to develop.
Decide what you want. Are you looking for an apprentice next year, or building awareness for the future? A clear goal helps you pick the right partner and make a specific request.
Look for schools, colleges or training providers connected to your industry. A building company might approach a trade-focused provider. A care business might approach a community services course. Ask your industry association or your local contacts for introductions.
Email or call the careers adviser or industry liaison person. Explain who you are, what you can offer and what you would like to discuss. Offer a clear next step, such as a short meeting.
Write down who does what, when and how often. Be clear on safety, supervision and travel for any student placements, and ask the institution what its requirements are.
Some students can combine school with work and training. Our post on school-based apprenticeships and their advantages explains how it works for the student. For businesses, the key is to understand the student's school commitments and plan work around them.
For people in office or professional roles, see a guide to professional and corporate apprenticeships.
If you want to take on students or trainees but do not want to become the employer, a group training organisation can help. Future1st is a Melbourne group training organisation that recruits, employs and places apprentices and trainees with businesses in Victoria. We handle payroll and training administration, and our field officers visit workplaces and training institutes to monitor progress.
That means a host business can concentrate on providing real work and supervision, while Future1st manages the employment side and stays in touch with the training provider. Learn more about building a strong apprenticeship team or the networking benefits of group training.
If a student placement is not working, speak to the institution early.
Contact the careers adviser or industry liaison person with a short, specific request, such as a site visit or a guest talk.
Yes. A single guest talk or one student placement is a perfectly good start.
Not always. Future1st can be the employer of apprentices and trainees while you provide the work and supervision.
Ask the institution about safety, supervision, insurance and any rules that apply to placements.
Call (03) 9656 9797 or email info@future1st.com.au.
Strong links with schools and training providers help you find people who want to learn your trade or profession. To host an apprentice or trainee, hire an apprentice with Future1st or call (03) 9656 9797.
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