Keepin’ It REAL While Engaging Employers and Building Talent Pipelines

In workforce development, there’s a lot of conversation around creating and building partnerships, with a strong focus on job placements, talent pipelines, and measurable outcomes. While these things matter, I believe the strongest and most successful partnerships are built on relationships.

At times, I find myself reflecting on my own motives for creating and building relationships with employers. I never want to come across as though I am only reaching out because I need something from them. I have to be honest with myself and acknowledge that, at times, if there were not an immediate need to connect a participant to gainful employment, I may not be making that phone call or sending that email. That realization challenges me to be more intentional about how I build relationships and reminds me that true partnerships cannot be created only when there is a need to be met.

This is especially important when considering that many of the individuals coming through The CARITAS Works Program are navigating through barriers to employment, including gaps in work history, limited access to transportation, justice involvement, housing instability, disabilities, or other life circumstances that can impact their path to employment.

Without the right perspective, I can sometimes feel as though we are asking employers to do us a favor—to take a chance, lower their standards, give a handout, or offer an opportunity simply because other companies may seem reluctant to hire the individual we work with.

But that is not the case.

We are not asking employers to compromise their needs, expectations, or standards. The reality is that employers need what we have to offer as well. Their days are often spent navigating staffing challenges, addressing retention concerns, and searching for quality workers who will contribute to the success of their company or organization’s mission and vision.

As we collaborate with employers, we must help them understand the barriers our participants face while also taking the time to understand the workforce challenges employers are working to solve. It is in that shared space—where participant potential meets employer needs and true partnerships are created. This is where the importance of Keepin’ It REAL comes to life through:

R – Relationships

E – Engagement

A – Authenticity

L – Listening.

R – Relationships

Before there is a partnership, there has to be a relationship. The best employer partnerships don’t begin with a request for job openings. They began with conversations. They start with learning about a company's mission, understanding its workforce needs, and finding common ground. Relationships are built when we show up consistently, listen more than we talk, and demonstrate that we're invested in an employer's success—not just what they can provide for our program.

E – Engagement

Engagement is about being present and invested in the success of both participants and employers. For the individuals we serve, engagement means taking the time to understand their goals, experiences, strengths, and the barriers they may be navigating on their path to employment. For employers, engagement means building relationships beyond the immediate need to fill a position. It helps us move from simply making connections to building partnerships where participants and employers both feel valued, supported, and invested in the outcome.

A – Authenticity

Authenticity means having transparent conversations, setting realistic expectations, and focusing on long-term success rather than short-term wins. People can tell when you're genuinely invested in helping them succeed. Whether we're working with a participant or an employer, authenticity builds trust—and trust is the foundation of every meaningful partnership.

L – Listening

Listening is one of the most valuable skills in workforce development. Too often, we approach employers ready to talk about our participants, programs, and services before fully understanding what matters most to them. Genuine partnerships begin when we take the time to listen—to their workforce challenges, hiring needs, organizational goals, and concerns. Listening demonstrates respect. It builds trust

At the heart of workforce development is the belief that everyone has value, potential, and something meaningful to contribute. By Keepin’ it REAL we are reminded that employer engagement is not about what we can get from employers—it is about what we can build together. When we invest in Relationships, remain Engaged, lead with Authenticity, and commit to Listening, we create partnerships that go beyond filling positions. We create opportunities for individuals, solutions for employers, and stronger communities.