The students in our colleges today will shape the future of our workforce tomorrow. But are we doing enough to attract, prepare and retain them? At The Chamber’s recent Pulse of Enrollment event, local experts tackled this crucial question—revealing both challenges and innovative solutions for bridging the gap between education and industry. 

Here’s what we learned and why it matters to your business, your community, and the future of our region. 

Pulse Check: What’s the biggest workforce challenge? 

Attendees at the event participated in a live Pulse Check, identifying the biggest barriers to building a strong talent pipeline. Here’s what they said: 

• Bridging the gap between education and industry needs (39.6%) 

• Attracting students to our region (35.8%) 

• Retaining graduates in our workforce (18.9%) 

• Upskilling and professional development (5.7%) 

With nearly 40% of respondents highlighting the disconnect between education and industry, it’s clear we need stronger partnerships between colleges and employers. 

So, What Can Businesses Do? 

If we want to keep talented graduates in our region, we can’t just hope they stay—we need to actively engage them. Here are five ways businesses can connect with college students today to build tomorrow’s workforce: 

• Offer more than just internships. Create mentorship programs that help students develop both technical and soft skills. 

• Make workforce needs clear. Partner with educational institutions to align curriculum with real-world job demands. 

• Create structured career pathways. Offer apprenticeships, co-op programs, or part-time roles that seamlessly transition into full-time employment. 

• Engage beyond the workplace. Host networking events, invite students to industry panels, or sponsor campus activities. 

• Invest in retention efforts. Provide leadership development and upskilling opportunities to help young professionals grow within the region. 

Does your company already partner with a college or university? According to our Pulse Check: 

• 81.1% do (through internships, sponsorships, or apprenticeships) 

• 13.5% connect through mentorship or networking 

• 5.4% want to but haven’t yet 

• 0% have no plans to engage (a great sign for our region!) 

If your organization isn’t partnering with local students yet, now is the time!