Fostering Business-Education Partnerships

“Guiding leaders and their communities in creating a new jobs and skilled talent era”

An important part of the RETAIN process is Imperial’s assistance in establishing or expanding business-educational institution partnerships. Imperial assists in the design and implementation of effective career education programs for K-12 students, education/training for adult post-secondary learners, and training programs for current employees.

One of the most significant obstacles in solving the jobs-skills gap is the lack of effective communication between people in the business world and the education community. A common business complaint is that the educational preparation of entry-level workers has not equipped them with the skills needed in the workplace. Business-education partnerships are an important means for aligning business and education expectations. There are many options for businesses and other organizations to coordinate with educators in preparing students for 21st-century careers and updating employee skills including:

• Career exploration programs starting in elementary schools
• High school career academies
• Work-study programs jointly developed by businesses and community or technical colleges
• Internship and apprenticeship programs
• Training and post-secondary education for incumbent workers

Imperial’s consultants help communities explore these and other options and implement those best suited to the community’s current talent needs and aspirations.