Student Life

Education First Employers (EFE)

Benefits for Students Working For an Education First Employer

Working for an Education First Employer provides students with meaningful support that promotes both academic success and career readiness. Students benefit from tuition assistance, flexible work schedules that accommodate coursework, and access to jobs offering competitive wages. These employers connect students to a strong network of companies and professionals, provide mentorship and career development preparation, and often assist with transportation, housing, or other basic needs. Most importantly, students gain employment opportunities that are aligned with their chosen program of study, allowing them to apply classroom learning in real world settings while building skills and confidence for their future careers.

Interested in Becoming an Education First Employer Student?

Benefits for Employers to Become an Education First Employer

Becoming an Education First Employer strengthens an organization’s reputation as an employer of choice through recognition with the EFE seal while supporting upskilling initiatives that advance both incumbent employees and new hires. Participation also includes priority job postings in Handshake, enhanced engagement at career fairs, and improved employee retention as workers pursue credentials. Additionally, employers contribute to Kentucky’s skilled talent pipeline, deepen their partnership with BCTC, and gain strategic, direct connectivity to BCTC students to fill open positions with prepared, motivated talent.

Employer Criteria

Core Values

Provide tuition benefits
Support credential with completion with a commitment to flexible scheduling
Meet or exceed living wage based off regional data

Ongoing

Identify company liaison to work with college program lead
Report hiring and retention outcome
Provide regular feedback to support program improvement

Select Two Activities (or more) From the List Below

Serve on advisory/curriculum committees
Develop project-based learning activities
Provide career exploration opportunities (classroom visits, facility tours, etc.)
Mentor or provide career advising
Provide scholarships or tuition
Recruit/Be a champion for higher education
Refer employees to programs
Collaborate on outreach to high schools
Support marketing efforts