Why Engaging with Schools and Colleges is a Year-Round Opportunity for Businesses

Why Engaging with Schools and Colleges is a Year-Round Opportunity for Businesses

At HBTC, we know from experience that the relationship between businesses, schools, and learners doesn’t stop when the school bell rings for the summer. As a small but active training provider, we work throughout the year through career fairs, phone calls, emails, and regular conversations with both local schools and employers to connect young people with real opportunities. Apprenticeships, training, and career pathways aren’t seasonal, and neither is the need for talent.

Ongoing engagement, ongoing benefits

Yes, summer is an important moment; many school and college leavers are making their next move, but the real opportunity lies in year-round collaboration. Schools are consistently open to working with employers, whether through career events, guest speakers, mock interviews, or apprenticeship discussions. This ongoing dialogue means businesses don’t need to wait for the “right time” to get involved. The door is always open.

At HBTC, we support this process by helping employers build relationships with local schools and by providing tailored apprenticeship and training solutions. Our outreach and support for learners doesn’t stop when the term ends. We have candidates coming to the market right now, even during the summer, which makes this a great time to recruit. For businesses looking to fill skills gaps or grow future talent pipelines, there’s never a bad time to start.

Shape the workforce you need tomorrow, today

Across sectors from tech and engineering to marketing and administration, skills shortages persist. One of the most effective ways to address them is by working directly with schools to build awareness and enthusiasm for your industry. Early, consistent engagement ensures that future job seekers already know who you are and what you offer.

build your future talent pipeline

School and college engagement isn’t a one-off PR exercise; it’s a long-term investment. The Careers and Enterprise Company states that employers who engage early and consistently are four times more likely to see an increase in apprenticeship applications. Employers make a real difference in helping young people understand the various routes into the workplace, such as apprenticeships. As a result, awareness of apprenticeship options more than doubles between Year 7 and Year 11.

Data from the Careers and Enterprise Company shows that:

• 80% of employers say their efforts are encouraging young people to apply for roles within their organisations, rising to 90% among Cornerstone Employers.
• 75% report that their outreach is directly supporting the recruitment of new apprentices, increasing to 86% for Cornerstone Employers.
• 37% of employers say this engagement is helping to cut recruitment costs.

These stats confirm what we already see on the ground: that early and sustained engagement delivers measurable returns. It’s not about a one-time visit to a careers fair, it’s about consistent presence and support.

boost diversity and social mobility

Reaching out to young people from a wide range of schools and communities helps drive genuine progress in diversity and inclusion. Long-term, targeted outreach has been shown to significantly improve workforce diversity and open doors for underrepresented groups.

reduce recruitment costs

Businesses that invest in early engagement often see a tangible return through reduced recruitment costs. By building your employer brand directly with young people and fostering loyalty and awareness before they’ve entered the job market, you reduce the need for expensive advertising, agency fees, or lengthy hiring cycles.

meet your corporate social responsibility and community goals

Supporting local schools doesn’t just benefit students; it enhances your reputation in the community, supports social value goals, and strengthens client relationships. Supporting local students through work experience or talks demonstrates commitment, creates compassion, and helps meet those obligations with integrity.

Support national priorities: be part of the youth guarantee

In response to concerns around youth unemployment and employability, the UK Government proposed a Get Britain Working Policy Paper to deliver a “Youth Guarantee” in 2024, which includes a right to two weeks’ work experience for all school and college students. Yet, fewer than 40% of young people currently have access to meaningful placements. Employers who step in aren’t just helping individual students; they’re supporting a national mission to ensure no young person is left behind.

let’s build the future together

At HBTC, we believe that building the future workforce is a year-round commitment. We’re here to support employers who want to grow, upskill, and make a real difference in their community.

If your business is ready to recruit, engage, or explore apprenticeships, get in touch with us now on 01482 211714. There’s no need to wait for the school year to begin again; the opportunities are already here.

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