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Four ways employers can work with K–12 schools

Career talks, job shadowing, internships and classroom projects compared on what they ask of employers and what OECD research found.

Four ways employers can work with K–12 schools. Career talks and job fairs: lowest employer effort, the easiest activity for employers to support per the OECD; a confirmed OECD career-readiness indicator; in Canada and Uruguay, attending a career talk by 15 was linked to a 3-point lower chance of being out of work or school at 25. Workplace visits and job shadowing: medium effort, including time to organize and supervise, transport and parent permission; a confirmed OECD indicator; in Canada, a workplace visit by 15 was linked to being 4 points less likely to be out of work or school at 25. Internships: highest effort, including supervision, scheduling and federal rules for workers under 18; only partial evidence; US data showed no significant link to adult earnings or employment. Projects in core classes (our model): medium effort, in Ohio@Work two interviews, a workplace filming and recorded mentors; not measured by the OECD; reaches every student in each class that uses it.
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From the articleHow Employers Can Partner With K–12 SchoolsCareer talks, job shadowing, internships and classroom projects compared: what each asks of an employer, what research found, and the rules for students under 18.