Evidence-based Practice: Employer partnerships with CTE and workforce programs

Definition

Employer partnerships with high schools, postsecondary institutions and/or workforce programs are a key component of effective career pathways, offering students in CTE and workforce programs both classroom and work-based experiences to develop the skills they need to be successful in the workplace.1 Career pathways that are developed and sustained through employer partnerships can improve the relevance and alignment of the curriculum to employer or industry needs; expand opportunities for students to engage meaningfully with employers through presentations, onsite visits, work-based learning opportunities, and career fairs; and increase the potential for job placement and advancement. Qualitative evidence suggests that the strength and quality of these partnerships matter. Effective employer partnerships typically involve sustained, reciprocal engagement between employers and school leaders, including collaboration on curriculum design, identification of relevant skills and competencies, and development of meaningful work-based learning opportunities.2