Creating Talent Solutions Between Education Providers and Employers
Through the Kentucky Chamber Foundation's Talent Pipeline Management® initiative
Businesses have had to develop innovative solutions to fill their growing workforce needs. But what if companies had a pool of talent with relevant skills that are ready for employment? Through the Kentucky Chamber Foundation’s Talent Pipeline Management (TPM®) initiative, that is a reality. The TPM® concept unites businesses across to create practical solutions for recruiting, training, and retaining talent needed for high-demand roles, ensuring students are equipped with the necessary skills when they enter the workforce.
Forging partnerships between schools and businesses is vital to addressing workforce shortages, enhancing educational program relevance, and preparing students for high-demand careers. These partnerships bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world job demands, offering students valuable opportunities to develop durable skills.
AE Electrical Solutions President John Phillips got involved with the Foundation’s workforce efforts starting in 2017. When asked about his company’s involvement, he said, “AE Electrical Solutions is well on the way to addressing our workforce issues by engaging with local educators to bring awareness and ultimately new employment opportunities to the next generation of electricians. We’re grateful to be involved with the Foundation’s Bus to Business® and TPM® programs, as it has successfully helped our company fill workforce gaps while empowering high school students with the knowledge they need for their electrical careers.”
The Foundation hosts events where educators connect with key industry employers to learn about available career paths and the skills needed for those roles. These efforts foster strong connections between employers and schools, helping develop engaged citizens, critical thinkers, effective communicators, creative contributors, and empowered learners.
AE Electrical Solutions participated in the Educators Guide to the Construction Industry, and Phillips shared how they have used TPM to form connections with school systems. “We mapped the process by which a pipeline of talent from the various high school technical training centers could be made aware of career opportunities in construction, develop strong partnerships between the schools and industry, and establish criteria for successful implementation of this talent pipeline. An Educators Guide to the Construction Industry was developed, and we worked with school principals and instructors to improve the training they give students to better prepare for employment or apprenticeships.”
“The Educators Guide events offered me and our Kentucky colleagues a wealth of resources, strategies, and networking opportunities to enhance our support services and professional development for the students we serve statewide. Additionally, we collaborated with other schools across the state to learn their best practices for college and career readiness. This has enabled us to stay informed about workforce trends and ultimately improve the quality of education we provide to our students. We look forward to learning more about local businesses and how our students can connect with them for internships, job shadowing, and much more,” said AmeriCorps Program Manager Shellie Baker.
This exposure not only allows students and educators to understand the skills necessary for in-demand positions, but it also helps students understand how the durable skills they are learning in school prepare them for the challenges and opportunities they may face in their future careers.
“During the Educator’s Guide to the Agriculture Industry, I learned about work-based learning experiences that help students develop skills that will benefit them in any career field they choose. Also, I learned these experiences help students develop connections through networking to market their skills within the industry,” said Shane Norris of Paris Independent High School. “The unique work-based learning experiences I learned about will help me teach students to develop a positive attitude toward work. This has allowed me to use these success stories as a motivator to get more students interested in the industry. We are very fortunate to be involved with such an opportunity to showcase the equine industry in central Kentucky to our students and introduce them to equine industry leaders.”
Intentional partnerships are essential for addressing workforce needs. Employers must actively connect with educators to enhance educational programs and communicate the relevant and durable skills students need before entering the workforce. These collaborations ensure students are well-prepared and employers have access to a skilled talent pool.