How to Track the Activities of Vocational Training Program Graduates

It can be hard to know what the future holds for vocational training program graduates

The goal of a vocational training program is to have students graduate with a deeper understanding of their interests, skills, and career. When students graduate from a vocational training program, they go out into the world of the job search and may move into careers that feel successful or struggle to find a place in the job market. Tracking the activities of vocational training program graduates can help you understand the needs of students that are currently in the program and it can also help you modify the program itself.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with internet
• Phone

Instructions

1. 

   Create a simple connection between the program and its graduates

   Create a link between the graduates and the program that continues after graduation from the program. This link can be as simple as an email newsletter, a discussion group or a Facebook group. This link allows you to keep track of the contact information of graduates and provides you with ready access to a pool of graduates who are there to provide feedback on the program and the directions in which they are now heading.

2. 

   Hold an annual picnic for students and graduates

   Develop social activities that allow for informal interaction with program graduates. Hold an annual picnic or invite past students for a homecoming celebration. Ask graduates to come and host a display at a career fair, at which they can highlight their current business or employer. By creating a deeper link between graduates and the program, you can get a better idea of what happens to graduates once they leave the program.

3. 

   An email survey is a way to reach many graduates at the same time

   Survey program graduates over email, phone, or mail. One of the most straightforward ways to contact program graduates is to use their contact information to follow up with them one year or more after the program has finished. Email them a survey about their success in finding employment in their field, their career direction, and any things that they feel were missing or particularly beneficial in the training program. This is a good way to collect a little bit of information from a lot of people.

4. 

   Inviting training program graduates back as mentors provides a link between the program and its graduates

   Invite program graduates back to mentor students or act in an advisory capacity. Motivated graduates may want to contribute to the program in the future. By inviting them back to mentor students in their future career or to help shape the program by siting on the board, you can track the successes and garner the input of a few dedicated graduates.

References

• Zoomerang. Survey Design Checklist.
• US State Exchanges. Alumni Tracking, Outreach and Engagement.
• The Mentoring Group. Getting a Mentoring Program Off the Ground.