Bridging Talent Identification, Skills Gap, and Succession Planning with Education at Work (EAW)
Written by: Melanie Shires | Director of Marketing
Navigating the challenges of talent identification, addressing skills gaps, and effective succession planning are critical to any business's success. Companies can find themselves overwhelmed when trying to select suitable candidates from a vast pool of applicants, match evolving industry skills, and identify potential leaders. Discover Education at Work (EAW), a non-profit that provides innovative solutions to these problems, setting companies up for long-term growth and success.
In terms of talent identification, EAW provides a unique solution. Leveraging an established network of university partnerships, EAW allows companies to tap into a highly diverse and skilled collegiate workforce. This demographic spans students of color, first-generation students, those from low-income backgrounds, and students from various geographic locations. The advantage of such a diverse pool is twofold - companies can not only meet their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) pipeline development and hiring goals but also enjoy high conversion rates from EAW to their workforce.
Addressing the skills gap, particularly in the rapidly evolving technological landscape, is another critical area where EAW can provide significant support. EAW's early talent pipeline enables employers to identify, work with, and recruit proven performers with degree-specific skills relevant to the employer's industry. This provides a valuable resource to bridge the skills gap, leading to greater conversion and retention rates. As these students have had TA and work experience before graduation, they also create an affinity with employers, leading to cost savings of up to $6,300 per college hire without a finder's fee.
Another point to consider is effective succession planning that is vital for any organization's long-term sustainability. EAW's early talent programs allow businesses to identify potential leaders, equipping them with relevant skills and experience, ensuring a consistent pipeline of future leaders. Moreover, the EAW model, based on ongoing partnerships with universities, provides unparalleled access to a renewing US collegiate workforce. This annually refreshed workforce is perfect for meeting demand for back-office and contact center staffing, and being digital natives, these students can easily adapt to any technological advancements.
Founded in 2012, Education at Work (EAW) is a national work-based learning nonprofit that helps students graduate with less debt and more skills, connections, and confidence by connecting them with flexible, paid employment opportunities. We help high-achieving college students gain the career-ready skills and financial stability needed to succeed after graduation. Our campus-based “learn and earn” model generates career outcomes for students, provides employers with a skilled workforce to address early talent needs, and helps colleges boost affordability while improving student success. For a consultation or to learn more about our business solutions, please contact Stephanie Toston.
