How to Build Employer Partnerships for Schools

Employers can show students what work is really like. But busy employers say no to vague requests. If you make clear, small, well-planned asks, you are far more likely to get a yes. This guide shows how to build partnerships that last.

Decide what you need

Before you contact anyone, list what your students need. Think about year groups, interests and local job types.

• Which sectors are common in your area?
• Which sectors do students ask about most?
• What kind of help is most needed: speakers, visits, mock interviews, work experience, project challenges?

Write a one-page plan with three to five goals for the year.

Find your first contacts

Start with people who already know the school.

• Parents and carers, with their consent.
• Alumni working locally. See our guide on using alumni networks.
• Local businesses, clinics, workshops, offices and public services.
• Chambers of commerce, trade associations and professional bodies.
• Local government or community organisations that connect schools and employers.

Ask each contact if they know someone else who might help. One warm introduction is better than ten cold emails.

Make a clear and small request

Employers want to know what you ask, how long it takes, and what is in it for them. Send a short message.

• Say who you are and what the school does.
• Ask for one specific thing, such as a 30-minute talk or a one-hour visit.
• Give dates, the age group and the number of students.
• Explain that you will do the preparation and handle safeguarding.
• Say how they may benefit: showing their sector to future workers, building community links.

Do not promise jobs or outcomes. Be honest about what the school can offer.

Run activities well

A good experience helps both sides and makes a repeat visit more likely.

• Brief the employer on the students and the aim of the session.
• Brief students on how to behave, what to ask and what to wear if needed.
• Complete safeguarding and risk checks as school policy and local law require.
• Send a named staff member with each visit.
• Keep the activity active: tasks, tours and questions, not only talks.

For ideas on activities, see our list of career guidance activities for teenagers.

Keep the relationship going

Partnerships fade without care. Keep a simple record of each partner: contact, what they offered, dates and feedback.

• Thank them within a week, with a note from students if possible.
• Ask what worked and what would help them next time.
• Offer a regular rhythm, such as one event each term.
• Share a short update on what students learned.
• Rotate requests so that no one partner is overloaded.

If your school wants help designing a partnership programme, see our schools page.

Want a ready-made plan for your school? Look at the Career Counsellor Toolkit or book a free 20-minute intro call with William.