Harper College
Harper College is an educational institution. Learn more at www.harpercollege.edu.
Introductory Conversations and Assessment
How organizations conduct initial needs assessment with employers, introduce workforce development in general as well as their own organization’s programs, and gauge whether an employer could benefit from workforce development programs.
Learning About Employers' Needs
- Employer outreach is primarily initiated through digital marketing, networking events, and business referrals, with marketing materials reinforcing program visibility.
- Employers typically first engage with Harper College through a website inquiry form, which generates an automatic email follow-up and scheduling link for an introductory meeting.
- During the first meeting, employers describe their workforce needs and hiring challenges, which inform discussions on program alignment.
- Harper College does not have a formal employer intake form or system for collecting employer information. Meeting notes and program details are recorded.
- Employer data is stored electronically in folders, including agreements, student progress reports, and program details.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Besa Sadiku in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Introducing Workforce Development Opportunities
- Harper College introduces workforce development as an interconnected system of services, including apprenticeships, customized training, and professional education.
- Employers are guided toward the most relevant workforce programs based on their needs, with referrals to other departments when appropriate.
- Harper College emphasizes its role as a training provider within a broader workforce ecosystem, explaining how apprenticeship models align with industry needs.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Besa Sadiku in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Introducing Your Organization
- Harper College introduces itself to employers as a training provider that partners with businesses to build workforce pipelines through apprenticeships.
- Harper College frames apprenticeships as an employer-driven model, emphasizing that companies must hire an apprentice before they can access program benefits.
- During the initial meeting, Harper College representatives share a presentation with employers that contains a brief overview of the available apprenticeship programs, the cost of services, and the required next steps to initiate the engagement.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Besa Sadiku in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Evaluating Employer Suitability
- Harper College assesses employer suitability based on their ability to hire and support apprentices. Apprenticeships require employer-driven participation.
- Employers with a track record of investing in employee training and development are prioritized. Those employers are more likely to sustain successful apprenticeship programs.
- Partnerships are aligned with Harper College’s workforce goals by ensuring they provide meaningful opportunities for job seekers and align with in-demand industry sectors.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Besa Sadiku in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Establishing Employer Relationships
Ways that organizations follow up or otherwise build relationships with potential employer partners. How do organizations keep employers’ interest and stay top of mind, despite how busy they may be?
Following Up via Phone and/or Email
- After the initial employer meeting, a structured follow-up process includes sending meeting recaps, presentation slides, and next steps.
- Employers who show strong interest receive additional check-ins to discuss candidate resumes, hiring steps, and Department of Labor documentation.
- Ongoing employer engagement is maintained through email, phone calls, and site visits. No standardized CRM system is currently in place for tracking communication.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Besa Sadiku in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Employer Visits to Service Provider Locations
- Employers visit Harper College for industry panels, partnership discussions, and customized workforce events.
- Training-related meetings, apprenticeship discussions, and networking events provide opportunities for employers to engage with Harper College’s workforce programs.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Besa Sadiku in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Service Provider Visits to Employer Workplace
- The Manager of Workforce Initiatives conducts employer site visits to assess workplace conditions, discuss apprenticeship integration, and maintain relationships.
- Site visits are a routine part of apprenticeship partnerships, with discussions often focused on student progress and program adjustments.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Besa Sadiku in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Job Fairs and Hiring Events
- Harper College does not directly organize job fairs. Harper participates in external events to connect with potential employer partners.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Besa Sadiku in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Metrics and Financial Factors
How organizations collect and share information about expected outcomes and potential financial rewards and incentives.
Sharing Metrics and Return on Investment with Employers
- Employers are informed about apprenticeship benefits through a dedicated slide in the program presentation, emphasizing recruitment cost savings, retention improvements, and talent development.
- Various facts are presented to the employers, such as: “Retention rates for apprentices are high due to long program durations (2-3 years), leading to employer investment in long-term employee development.”
- Employers receive ongoing updates on student progress. These updates reinforce program success and encourage continued participation.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Besa Sadiku in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Explaining Subsidies and Tax Credits
- Harper College introduces tax credits and grant funding as part of employer discussions when cost concerns arise.
- Tax credits and funding opportunities are presented during employer meetings, typically through verbal explanations and follow-up materials.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Besa Sadiku in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Gathering Data to Track Employer Metrics
- Harper College is transitioning to Salesforce as its new CRM system for tracking employer engagement, replacing informal tracking methods.
- Employer agreements, student performance records, and hiring commitments are stored in electronic folders for long-term documentation.
- Spreadsheet tracking is used to document employer referrals, sources of employer outreach, and ongoing communications.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Besa Sadiku in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Organizational Level Considerations
How organizations are set up to build partnerships with employers, and how they leverage relationships with other organizations for better outcomes.
Organizational Structure, Resourcing, and Staffing
- Employer relationships for apprenticeships at Harper College are primarily managed by the Manager of Workforce Initiatives, who is responsible for outreach, engagement, and ongoing employer relationships.
- The Senior Director of Workforce Solutions and Job Placement, as well as the Vice President of Workforce Solutions, may assist in early employer engagement, particularly for initial meetings.
- Harper College has multiple employer-facing departments, including Customized Training, Continuing Education (CE), and Continuing Professional Education (CPE), each managing relationships with different employers.
- Marketing supports employer engagement by promoting programs, distributing flyers, and managing website inquiries.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Besa Sadiku in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Collaborating with Other Organizations
- Harper College collaborates with chambers of commerce, rotary clubs, and manufacturing forums to expand employer engagement.
- The college provides apprenticeship training for multiple industries, often working with local and state-level workforce partners.
- Training events and knowledge-sharing sessions are held for other community colleges to expand apprenticeship program adoption.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Besa Sadiku in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Challenges
Common challenges and how organizations typically respond to them.
Workforce Development Jargon
- Employers are introduced to workforce services in business terms, focusing on recruitment solutions, training investments, and long-term workforce development rather than workforce policy or funding-driven language.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Besa Sadiku in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Ensuring Compliance with Progammatic and Funding Requirements
- Employers signing apprenticeship agreements commit to meeting program and funding requirements, which are managed through formal agreements.
- Harper College provides compliance guidance. Harper does not oversee direct enforcement beyond employer agreements.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Besa Sadiku in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Handling Objections from Employers
- Cost considerations impact employer suitability, particularly in industries like manufacturing, where tuition fees and wages may present financial challenges. Harper College discusses funding options with employers to address these concerns.
- Employers hesitant about apprenticeship models are informed about available tax credits and grant opportunities to offset costs.
- Harper College addresses employer concerns through continued engagement, providing testimonials, case studies, and direct conversations to clarify program value.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Besa Sadiku in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Handling Challenges
- Employer turnover can disrupt apprenticeship programs, especially when leadership changes result in shifting training priorities.
- Some employers prefer tuition reimbursement over structured apprenticeship models, leading to reduced program participation.
- Maintaining strong employer relationships requires continuous communication, flexibility in program design, and proactive engagement to retain partners.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Besa Sadiku in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
