Brownfields Toolbox

Student tracking is an administrative activity that can last years after students graduate. A mindset exists that job development and training programs consist of a series of steps. Each step is regarded in isolation. Unfortunately, this approach discourages the connection between the past and future. The Brownfields Job Development and Training program requires that students look back and that program staff look forward as students progress after graduation. There are several good reasons for this process:

• Graduates with certifications often need refresher or recertification to keep credentials current.
• Sometimes expectations of either the worker or employer are not fulfilled, resulting in an unemployed graduate who needs placement assistance and/or additional training.
• Successful graduates can become excellent resources in guidance, placement, and mentoring of current students. Graduates often become role models, providing testimony regarding the worthiness of the program to potential recruits, employers, supporters, and partners.
• Historically, successful Brownfields Job Development and Training graduates have contributed in a variety of ways, from joining the staff to providing instructions, serving on advisory committees, and assisting in development activities.
• Feedback from former students can be valuable in maintaining a current and relevant curriculum.

Each of the issues identified above requires that all Brownfields Job Development and Training programs develop a mechanism for making graduates feel welcome, encouraging them to participate in the program after graduation, and giving them a reason to maintain contact. This step is very important, but often overlooked. It is necessary that you instill in the graduates an obligation to report his or her progress after graduation. Also inform potential employers of the tracking process in consideration of placement.

As part of positive dynamics, graduates should accept responsibility for tracking. Likewise, your program staff members need to develop a periodic tracking instrument and process by which graduates can report and maintain contact.

See Tracking sheet and Appraisal for sample tracking documents.


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