Companies that participate in the A-SERT Program can demonstrate to prospective employees how they will invest in their future by providing formalized, on-the-job training. Apprenticeships can offer competitive, life-changing professional development experiences not available from all employers or in all industries. Here are resources and tips to help you communicate about your investment in the program to make sure you and your key staff understand the A-SERT apprenticeship program and the benefits it provides for the profession.

To sell a product effectively, you need to know the product. Make sure you and your key staff members understand how the program works, how long it may take to complete, and how completing the program affects an employee's ability to move up in your organization. Having job descriptions, organizational charts, or career pathway information can be helpful.
 
Involve your HR department
Your HR department is a great place to start: they are recruiting for your organization anyway, and they should be leading the pack on recruiting apprentices.

Be prepared to talk about compensation. Interested parties may want to know how their compensation will grow as their mastery of tasks and responsibilities increases through the apprenticeship program. Have a scale to show them.

Encourage area colleagues and your state or local industry associations to be involved
By involving regional pears and your local and state organizations, you can make a concerted effort in improving the profession and attracting apprentices. The more members Oat fs more we attract new faces to our profession by “competing” against other industries that have an established presence with apprenticeships.

Attend local community job fairs
There are always job fairs or career fairs going on in the community. Many are sponsored by Chambers of Commerce or other business organizations. Additionally, many non-profits, such as Goodwill, provide career fairs and career centers. Make sure you work with them to promote the program, as some non-profits that are career-focused may help you recruit apprentices.

Be in constant contact with your local high school agriculture and automotive programs
Local school programs are a great place to start. Not everyone goes to college and the apprenticeship program is basically an educational program with on-the-job training that is developing a career path for the participants.
 
Your local high school agriculture, automotive, or STEM programs should be your best friend. Let student advisors know about the A-SERT Program. Work with other area repair professionals to encourage schools to provide exposure to the industry to students, using apprenticeship opportunities as a hook.

Educate school system vocational-technical directors about the apprenticeship model
Every organization has leaders, and leaders set the tone for the organization. School systems have directors of Career and Technical Education. They need to be aware of the apprenticeship program and the benefits that it can afford their graduates.

Be in constant contact with local FFA, 4-H, or Scouting programs
Youth organizations are a great place to recruit. FFA chapters, 4-H groups, Scouting programs, and others always need guest speakers for their meetings. You or your staff should be attending such meetings. Starting as young as Middle School is okay, or even younger with Scouting groups.

Participate in career day events at local middle schools and high schools
All schools and school systems have career day events. Get yourself in front of all the students. Have exciting things so they can get involved at your booth and become interested - Have an active display, not a passive display.

Take part in college fairs
High schools often host college fairs, where colleges have booths recruiting students to their campuses. You will often see the military at these fairs as well; offering an alternative to college. Consider a booth there as well as an additional alternative to college, one that also provides a paid job and educational training.
 
Educate local middle school and high school counselors about the apprenticeship model
School counselors often have a great influence over the choices and career paths chosen by our youth. Educating them on the profession and the apprenticeship program is essential as a method to get the word out. Have an event at your office/shop and invite them out or arrange to speak to them at a teacher workday event.

Recruit from athletic programs
Students participating in athletic programs are already used to being outdoors and are accustomed to sweating and hard work. Attend and be involved with sports booster clubs, place signage at athletic fields, and speak to athletic associations.
 
Use social media
Use social media to get the word out about opportunities in your apprenticeship program. Young people are glued to their social media apps, so don’t miss out on the opportunity that exists on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and more. Make sure you use photos in your posts, as they attract more attention. Include links to your company website or A-SERT's. 

Always invite others to visit your company
Never pass up an opportunity to show off. No one tells your story better than you do.

It's an investment
Remember that growing your staff and the profession is an investment. It will take both time and money. Use some of your recruiting budget or your marketing budget to help. Your employees are your biggest investment.
 
Keep in mind, that participating and developing as many of these recruiting activities is essential to your success. Information on the apprenticeship program should be a constant in your recruiting. The continued success of our profession depends on all of us promoting the benefits of the repair profession.