Boosting Employer Retention in Work Placements

Securing an employer for a student’s work placement is only half the challenge — keeping them engaged for future years is where real success lies. In this project, Jennifer Boyce explores why many employers do not return to host students again and outlines practical strategies to change that.

Through her action research, Jennifer investigated both employer perceptions and the support provided by the college. She combined qualitative insights from candid telephone interviews with quantitative data from structured surveys, achieving an impressive 84% response rate. The findings revealed that while most employers valued helping to shape the next generation, several recurring issues reduced their willingness to participate again.

Key concerns included uncertainty about what to expect from students, a lack of direct contact with the college during the placement, and insufficient preparation of some students for workplace realities. Interestingly, 76% of employers expressed a desire to meet students before placements began — a simple yet powerful step towards building trust and clarity.

Jennifer’s recommendations focused on strengthening communication and support: providing a named contact for every employer, introducing students in advance, sharing skill-level information, and maintaining weekly check-ins during placements. She also proposed inviting local florists to college open days for presentations on what hosting a student involves, allowing for honest Q&A sessions.

The research highlights that employer retention benefits everyone. Businesses gain fresh perspectives, raise their community profile, and potentially shape future recruits, while students receive meaningful, skill-building experience. With stronger collaboration, the cycle becomes self-sustaining, ensuring that industry placements remain a cornerstone of vocational training.

While the full results of these changes will only be measurable over the longer term, this project offers a clear, actionable roadmap for colleges seeking to keep valued employer partners year after year. It’s a reminder that employer retention isn’t just about administration — it’s about relationships, expectations, and mutual respect.