Employers Build the Talent Pipelines with Aspire 30-Minute Career Discovery Meetings
Aspire Johnson County’s work with educators and employers has been part of an ongoing effort to build talent pipelines for local businesses. This stimulates the economy and ensures that the next generation of the workforce is prepared to thrive.
Aspire was recently issued a capacity building grant from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education to facilitate Career Discovery Meetings.
At these meetings, business leaders will talk to attending students about their own career paths, present their companies, their products and services, and describe the typical education and training needed for roles at their companies. Business leaders can share information on internship opportunities, if available.
Aspire is recruiting employers to present at these meetings and help expand students’ awareness of career possibilities.
“The State Legislature now requires high schools to offer students the opportunity to participate in a 30-minute meeting with either a college, an intermediary (Aspire’s designation), or a labor organization,” said Amanda Rubadue, Vice President of Economic Development at Aspire.
The requirements for the Career Discovery Meetings permit up to five students at a time and must held during the school day. The last five minutes of the 30-minute session are reserved for students to complete an online form with the Commission for Higher Education.
Employers like Crossroads Engineering and Endress+Hauser have signed up because the Career Discovery Meetings are an opportunity to leave a lasting impression on high school students who will be entering the workforce in the next year or two.
These meetings also support area businesses by introducing students to industries and career paths, even if the students do not eventually work for the employer after graduation.
Rubadue says over 80 employers indicated interest in connecting with students and Aspire is approaching all area high schools in Johnson County and southern Indianapolis to support their Career Discovery meetings.
All employers are encouraged to contact Aspire, especially small businesses and companies from the advanced manufacturing and technology sectors.
Aspire hosted a virtual training session for potential presenters on June 21 to help employers prepare to present and engage with local high school juniors and seniors. Aspire will make the recording of the training session available to additional employers interested in participating.
Employers from any industry should contact Aspire’s School to Work Specialist, Jennifer Hollingshead at jhollingshead@aspirejohnsoncounty.com to connect with students at a Career Discovery Meeting.