Brownfields Toolbox

Placement and tracking of students is the final phase of activities highlighting the conclusion of a successful Brownfields Job Development and Training program. While it is the last step, it is one of the most difficult to complete successfully.

Time and effort for placement, and especially tracking, can easily be underestimated as its fulfillment extends years after graduation. Ultimately, the goals of placement and tracking are finding good jobs for students, maintaining contact with them, and providing post-placement services as needed.

The objective of placement is to find a correct job match for each student. After finding that job, it may be necessary to provide additional support to keep students in their jobs or to assist in relocation if placements fail.

Tracking, while more administrative in nature, follows each student's progress, including promotions, salaries, and commendations. An effective tracking program establishes a method for capturing post-graduation training and work experiences. Successful tracking requires close relationships with employers and students. Building a culture that welcomes, values, and promotes continued participation by program graduates is the prerequisite for a tracking program that works. Sometimes, however, you will find that incentives are necessary to bring information back after students have graduated.

Why is Placement and Tracking So Important?

• The primary result of good placement and tracking efforts is having graduates who work at good, safe jobs that lead to prosperous futures.
• Second, good placement and tracking creates good will and a positive reputation between employers and the community.
• Third, good placement and tracking results in a solid information database upon which the Brownfields Job Development and Training program can be evaluated and found worthy of additional funding.

The purpose of this chapter is not to present details on developing a resume-writing curriculum or to dwell on job placement strategies. Instead, the intent is to raise issues relating to job placement and student tracking as it relates to Brownfields Job Development and Training program graduates.


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