Washington – Today, Business Roundtable released a case study detailing the early outcomes of the collaboration between Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) and the Alamo Colleges District (Alamo) to address local workforce needs and expand career opportunities in San Antonio, Texas. The pilot program has resulted in the successful hiring of dozens of graduates from Alamo’s two-year degree program — providing opportunities for qualified and motivated community college graduates at a global organization.

The EY US and Alamo Colleges District Hiring Pilot is part of the Roundtable’s Workforce Partnership Initiative (WPI), an effort that involves CEOs partnering with colleges and universities in targeted regions to close critical skills gaps and boost opportunity and growth. The case study examines how EY US has helped tackle skills development challenges and generate economic mobility, while meeting its early career hiring needs.

“EY’s collaboration with higher education leaders is not only helping meet workforce needs but also giving individuals a pathway to a career in professional services,” said Janet Truncale, EY Global Chair and CEO. “Opening the Service Delivery Center in San Antonio underscores the tremendous impact those with an associate degree can make to the work we do every day. Together with Alamo — which awards most associate degrees in the San Antonio metro area — I am proud of how EY’s US team is helping to drive more employment opportunities based on skills and training.”

 “Strengthening business talent pipelines is crucial to ensuring workers are equipped to fill jobs today and tomorrow. WPI creates pathways to employment by facilitating partnerships between employers and higher education focused on skills development,” says Business Roundtable CEO Joshua Bolten. “Business Roundtable and its members are committed to strengthening America’s workforce.”

Key findings from the case study include:
  • EY US successfully hired 91 Alamo graduates because of the initiative.
  • Alamo team members found that the pilot program helped illustrate the value of an associate degree to the broader San Antonio labor market. This, in turn, helped shift the focus for Texas community colleges toward post-degree employment outcomes for their students.
Key recommendations for businesses include:
  • Think outside the box to pursue new talent pools: The EY US pilot program re-evaluated the qualifications for existing roles and created opportunities for community college graduates.
  • Educate recruiters about the community college system: Alamo benefited from informing corporate recruiters about the community college ecosystem, which resulted in recruiters championing community college graduates.

Click here for the full case study.

About the WPI 

Business Roundtable started the WPI as a way to connect America’s leading CEOs with local colleges and universities in nine regions across the country to fill high-demand jobs in STEM-related fields and skilled trade positions. The initiative has engaged over 360 large and small employers and 130 higher education institutions to create employment opportunities for 5,400 students and 14,000 apprentices.