12/16/2024

Why Hiring High School Graduates Can Benefit Your Business

NPMA

This article, provided by the NPMA Workforce Development team, explores the benefits of hiring high school graduates and how they can bring value to your business. By leveraging insights from industry professionals, it offers practical tips on tapping into this motivated talent pool and highlights the opportunities for building a future-ready workforce.

December 2024 Newsletter

Why Hiring High School Graduates Can Benefit Your Business

We asked for your input on the question: Does your company hire people just graduating from high school (age 17-20)? Here is what you said:

Hiring Likelihood

Many companies are open to hiring individuals aged 17-20. Some note limitations, such as driving restrictions for the service technician role, but offer alternative jobs that do not require driving.

Common Entry Roles

• Service Technician Helper

• Customer Service

• Janitorial and Maintenance Duties

Special Considerations: Some companies hire only exceptional candidates or face barriers based on job-specific requirements.

Why Consider High School Graduates?

Staffing challenges continue to plague all skilled service industries. With a little innovation, changing your perception of hiring young workers opens up a new talent pool to create a pipeline of loyal, long-term workers who will grow within your company.

Entry-Level Roles That Fit Young Employees

• Service Technician Helper: Young employees can assist your technicians with inspections, treatments, and equipment maintenance. This role provides them with hands-on experience while supporting your team’s efficiency.

• Customer Service Representative: With strong communication skills (a natural ability or coached), they can handle client inquiries, schedule appointments, and ensure customer satisfaction.

• Janitorial and Maintenance Support: Tasks like cleaning equipment, unloading supplies, or organizing tools can help keep your operations running smoothly.

• Administrative or Inventory Roles: These positions offer valuable support for your back-office functions and help young employees develop organizational skills.

Addressing Potential Challenges

Some companies hesitate to hire younger employees due to driving restrictions or limited availability. However, these challenges can often be mitigated by:

• Offering flexible roles that don’t require driving.

• Providing mentorship to help them adapt to the work environment.

• Encouraging part-time schedules that accommodate their needs.

Building a Path for Growth

Investing in young employees is an investment in your company’s future. Many high school graduates are eager to advance, and pest management offers clear pathways for growth. With proper training and certification programs, these entry-level hires can progress to technician, sales, or even management roles over time.

Why It’s Worth It

Bringing high school graduates into your workforce can energize your team and foster a culture of learning and development. By tapping into this talent pool, you’re not just filling positions—you’re building the next generation of pest management professionals.

Take the Next Step

Ready to enhance your workforce with motivated young talent?

• Connect with student leadership-focused organizations like Jobs for America’s Graduates who prepare young workers for early careers.

• Talk to your employees and offer part-time opportunities for young people in their families.

• Post open positions to PestControlJobs.com and include information on your company culture and flexibility.

Don’t miss the chance to nurture fresh talent and create a team that thrives for years to come!