Some employers are reluctant to provide paid work opportunities for students. They must be assured that they will be tapping into a new pool of potential employees, and that the training of those students will be a cost-effective measure. In addition, they will be providing a community service by acting as partners in the education process. Recruitment is more likely to be successful if educators anticipate employer concerns and emphasize the economic benefits of the work-based learning program. Sometimes a business intermediary can be helpful in facilitating employer recruitment.
Recruitment also is an ongoing process.
Employers need to be encouraged and rewarded. Maintaining motivated, active involvement of employers is an essential part of any work-based learning program. Two major issues underlie a debate often associated with work-based learning. The first issue relates to targeting. It questions whether work-based learning programs should be targeted for selected students or should be available to all students.