Benefits for employers and employees
Hundreds of thousands of employers are already working with schools and colleges, recognising the various benefits that these partnerships bring.
Recruitment and staff development
Many employers struggle to appoint the right people to their enterprises and are keen to find ways of exciting more people about the opportunities in their economic sector, to raise awareness of their own enterprise as a desirable employer, and to help young people develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes that will employers most highly value.
Engagement with schools and colleges can help recruitment and staff development costs.
Recruitment costs are high - between £2000 and £4000 per appointee is typical - and a growing number of employers are looking to save money and reduce the risk of appointing the wrong person, by taking part in work experience and other activities that help them to talent spot future employees. Certainly, surveys of employers show a strong view that young people become more employable as a result of good quality work experience.
Many employees enjoy volunteering opportunities, especially involving young people, and are likely to experience higher job satisfaction, and according to some studies, productivity.
The cost of developing staff - equipping them with the skills, knowledge and attitudes to allow them to progress within an organization - are high and unpredictable in outcomes. An increasing number of employers see opportunities for employees to work with schools/colleges and young people as a means of staff development. Whether as mentors, school governors or as classroom speakers, employees can gain and develop skills of value to the workplace. For employees, who may be looking to build their own CVs, this is an important incentive in getting involved.
Raising awareness and improving reputation
Employers from public, private and third sectors are keen that people be aware, and think well, of the enterprise they represent and the products and services that it offers. Marketing and Public Relations costs are high, and working with schools and colleges can be an effective means of raising awareness among young people and their parents and carers. Enterprises can build reputation across a community through their engagement with schools and colleges. Young people are known to enjoy activities and courses of study that engage employers.
Employers can also be motivated to support the educational institutions which their children or relatives attend; by a desire to access the creativity and understand the attitudes of young people; and, by an interest in understanding the changing education system. Many employers see engaging with schools and colleges as a means to build the successful high-skill economy which is needed to allow us to thrive as a nation in the twenty-first century.
To find out more about employers and why they are so interested in working with schools and colleges, visit the website of the Education and Employers Taskforce.
Improving understanding of education and communities
Many employers strive to understand the local community in which they operate and to strengthen relationships with their stakeholders. Employee volunteering can can be an excellent way of achieving both of these aims.
For further evidence of why it makes a difference visit Research Reports.