Between January and October 2023, 1.1 million 20- to 29-year-olds in the US earned a bachelor's degree. A further 403,000 received an advanced degree. Among the first group, 70 percent were employed in October 2023. This rose to 85 percent for the second group of graduates. (1)

What do those numbers mean? The talent pool for graduate hires is brimming. And businesses are quick to dip their toes into the water. 

 

The importance of training and supporting new graduate hires

A stellar academic record isn't enough for these recent graduates. It's just the first step on the career ladder.

To climb that ladder, these bright minds need training and support. That's the only way they can transform from promising new recruits into thriving members of professional teams.

But how do you support and train new graduate hires to acquire new skills?

Let's explore some best practices.

Effective training strategies

New graduates need a good onboarding experience. And to make the onboarding process a success, you need a well-structured training program. Here's how to craft an effective one for your new graduate hires:

Harnessing technology

Technology has become a game-changer for training new hires. There are now tools and apps available to make the process more efficient. One of them is a learning management system.

What is a learning management system or LMS? An LMS serves as a central hub for all of your skill development materials and resources.

Using this tool, new graduate hires can access modules and complete assessments at their own pace. They can also easily track their progress.

The result is a sense of ownership and control. Plus, a feeling of community among their fellow new hires.

Tailored content

Forget about the one-size-fits-all approach. It won't cut it.

For new grads, what’s essential is training tailored to their specific roles. This means programs that hone in on the key skills and competencies needed for their positions.

You could, for example, craft training programs around industry-standard software. Or focus on company protocols and departmental workflows.

Don't forget about soft skills training as well. It's equally important for new graduate hires to be able to communicate effectively. They should also have a team player and problem-solver mindset. And be able to manage their time properly.

Addressing the skills gap

According to a Deloitte survey of nearly 8,000 millennials, higher education institutes aren't adequately preparing graduates for the business world. (2) That's where a skills gap analysis comes in. A skills gap analysis identifies areas where someone's academic knowledge might not meet all of the demands of their current role. 

Another effective strategy for new graduate training, it can be done using assessments (either pre-employment or during onboarding). Or through one-on-one discussions once your new hire is in post. 

HR teams can then use information from your skills gap analysis to provide targeted training. For example, by offering mentorship programs or online learning modules.

Interactive learning

Which brings us to…interactive learning.

Passive lectures are a thing of the past. Interactive learning methods are proven to be far more effective. In fact, they result in up to 75% improvement in knowledge retention. (3)

To keep graduates engaged, incorporate simulations, case studies and group projects into training. Role-playing exercises are also a good idea. These provide hands-on learning that adds to their work experience.

All of the elements mentioned above result in training programs that give graduates confidence, as well as knowledge and new skills. 

Conclusion

Why must you invest in new graduate hire training? Is it worth it? The answer is a resounding “yes”.

Investing in new graduate development goes beyond meeting your immediate needs. It enhances innovation and knowledge sharing, bringing fresh perspectives into your organization. It boosts your employer brand, which, in turn, enriches and uplifts your talent pool. And it cultivates a future generation of leaders by boosting employee retention.

Providing a well-structured, well-considered training program demonstrates commitment. It shows new graduates that you're investing in their long-term success. It makes new graduates feel valued. And it nurtures individuals who are deeply invested in your organization's success. Which means they’re more likely to stick around, for the long run. Not a bad ROI, for you or your new employees. 

References:

1. "College Enrollment and Work Activity of Recent High School and College Graduates Summary", Source: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/hsgec.nr0.htm

2. "College Grads Face Skills Gap in Workplace", Source: https://deloitte.wsj.com/cio/college-grads-face-skills-gap-in-workplace-1432180904

3. "Immersive Learning For Employees Leads To Immersive Data For Decision Makers", Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2022/04/27/immersive-learning-for-employees-leads-to-immersive-data-for-decision-makers/?sh=e9a5fb64cb57