Read the information in this lesson to learn the key ideas. Click through each section to view all content, then complete the Knowledge Check after this lesson. You are encouraged to take notes.

Planning for Recruitment (Part 3)

Build a Bridge to an IET

Bridge programs serve as effective recruitment on-ramps for IET pathways:

  • Offer a "Career and College Knowledge" class for students who are unsure of which pathway is the best fit for them.
  • Exploring careers helps students match themselves to a pathway they want and understand the rigor required.
  • Requiring attendance in a short bridge program for a specific career focus ensures and supports better outcomes.

Click each box to view

■ Bridge Program Benefits
Bridge programs are an underused recruitment strategy that supports positive outcomes for programs and students. They help students understand career pathways and working environments while exploring college options.

Instructionally, they increase reading and math skills in career and college contexts.
● Staff Advantages
Staff get time to better know students and understand barriers students may have that would interfere with an IET. They can identify what kind of supports students need in order to attend the IET.
▲ Student Gains
During a well-constructed bridge class, it can give students and the program time to work through barriers like childcare, reliable transportation, or other personal challenges.

Students gain more self-awareness and career awareness, which enables a program to ensure that the student-to-career match is a good fit.
IET Recruitment Plan Tool
IET Program Name:
How many learners do you want to enroll?
Who are your target audience(s)?
What are the requirements for enrollments
How will you identify potential learners?
IET Recruitment Plan Tool
What information will you give potential learners?
▢ Class times
▢ Description of class
▢ Marketing message (What are the benefits and outcomes of your program? How will you communicate that?)
▢ Location
▢ Cost
▢ Enrollment process and requirements
▢ Photos
▢ Program contact info, how, by when

Collaborative Planning

Above is a tool to help you develop a recruitment plan. Take some time to fill out the tool with those who are implementing the IET because everyone needs to help with recruitment.

Quick Check: Recruitment Planning

What is the recommended multiplier for determining your recruitment pool size?

  1. 2x the number of participants
  2. 3x the number of participants
  3. 5x the number of participants
  4. 10x the number of participants
Click to reveal the answer

Answer: C - 5x the number of participants. You will likely have to reach out to a much larger pool of individuals than you are able to enroll because not everyone will be interested or qualified.

Lesson Summary: Recruitment Planning Strategies

Effective IET recruitment requires strategic planning, engaging information sessions, and innovative bridge programs to reach and qualify potential students.

Strategic Planning

Describe target audiences, multiply recruitment goals by 5, and maintain comprehensive referral organization lists.

Information Sessions

Hold engaging sessions to outline requirements, highlight program benefits, and screen for good matches.

Bridge Programs

Offer career exploration classes that serve as recruitment on-ramps and support positive student outcomes.

Collaborative Planning

Involve all staff in recruitment planning and utilize structured tools for comprehensive strategy development.