In an unpredictable job market, even the most talented workers may face unexpected layoffs. For educators, that means preparing students not just to land jobs—but to navigate, survive and grow from career disruptions before they even happen.
Educators are on the frontlines of building career-ready students, and the reality is that the students of today will likely face multiple career transitions in their lifetime. Career guidance for students can no longer be limited to just helping them choose a profession. It must include preparing them to pivot when faced with layoffs, automation or restructuring. That starts with giving students access to consistent career transition support and opportunities to build their skills while still in school. Encouraging student career planning at every grade level helps normalize the idea that learning never stops and that adaptation is key to long-term success. Creating opportunities for internships and apprenticeships during school years can give students a head start on navigating professional spaces and learning how to bounce back from setbacks.
The best way to future-proof a career is to become essential. That means having the skills that are in demand now—and continuing to learn new ones. Educators can set students up for success by introducing them to a talent development marketplace for graduates before they enter the workforce. These platforms give students insight into which skills are most in-demand and how to access the right tools, courses and coaching to stay competitive. Encouraging students to take advantage of coaching sessions and feedback loops will help them understand where they stand today and what they need to learn to keep moving forward. Students who use these resources graduate with more than a diploma—they leave school with a personalized roadmap to their career goals, and an understanding of how to manage disruption if and when it comes.
When educators prioritize continuous skill development, they help students think beyond their first job. Students who understand the value of coaching and mentoring are more likely to seek out professional development as they move through their careers. That means they’ll be better equipped to handle layoffs or changes in industry direction. Integrating upskilling into school programs and making it part of the student experience gives young people the confidence and agility to transition when needed. By encouraging them to be lifelong learners, educators support students in becoming future workers who can adjust, grow and reinvent themselves no matter what happens in the job market. Student career planning becomes a dynamic, ongoing process, rather than a one-time activity that ends at graduation.
To help students confidently move into jobs for students and future careers, schools must take a fresh look at how they’re delivering work readiness. pepelwerk offers a talent development marketplace for graduates that helps educators, districts and schools provide students with direct access to career guidance for students, internships and apprenticeships, skill-building courses and coaching sessions all in one place. pepelwerk is designed to support student career planning and career transition support, making it easy for schools to spring into action and give their students the tools they need to succeed in any economy. pepelwerk is here to assist you as your all-in-one hiring platform by hiring people with the skills you need quickly and easily—and helping the next generation build those skills before they ever need a resume.