Cities and counties can use social media and apprentice programs to attract qualified talent

Job openings in government grew a little near the end of 2024, according to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. The number of openings, seasonally adjusted, grew from 890,000 to 893,000, when comparing October 2024 and November 2024 preliminary data. Governments hired 354,000 in November, according to the latest BLS report. 

The public sector needs to keep its workforce at full strength, says Ximena Hartsock, founder of BuildWithin, a firm that offers on-the job training software and advanced technology. She says it is important for agencies to have career succession plans in place. She notes that key practices and processes need to be documented when workers retire or leave. “This helps ensure that essential knowledge and processes are not lost, further safeguarding the continuity of operations.”

Apprenticeship programs can aid local governments in recruiting more professionals as team members retire, Hartsock says. “These kinds of programs enable new staffers to shadow and be mentored by experienced staff.” She explains that apprenticeships are highly effective in building a pipeline of skilled workers and are suitable for a diverse range of individuals, including new graduates and career-changers.

Hartsock notes that through these apprentice initiatives, managers can shape the next generation of workers. “Apprenticeships are also a reliable alternative to a traditional four-year college degree and have been successful in other countries (e.g., Switzerland and the U.K.). Typically lasting about one year full-time and at a lower salary than market rates, apprenticeships provide an opportunity for candidates to learn the job's nuances and new skills.”    

What’s more, these kinds of apprentice training setups are a good way to transition a workforce, Hartsock believes. “As seasoned staffers retire, they pass on invaluable knowledge to apprentices, ensuring continuity and preserving institutional expertise.”

Hartsock says secondary education can be part of talent-seeking apprenticeship programs. “High schools should focus on preparing students for the workforce, emphasizing hands-on practice. School districts can form easy and effective partnerships with government entities to facilitate opportunities for students to participate in internships or apprenticeships.” 

She believes early apprentice initiatives can give local governments access to a potentially rich talent pool: “Recruiting as early as high school for internships or multi-year apprenticeship programs can ensure a steady source of talent.”

Hartsock says the public sector has resources that can aid in recruiting new staffers. “Today, with the ongoing workforce reshuffle, we have more qualified people available than ever before. Every city and county has access to unemployed and underemployed individuals through local American Job Centers, departments of labor and departments of economic opportunity. By establishing relationships with case managers in these departments, you can receive updated lists of available individuals on a weekly basis.”

It is crucial that hiring teams engage with job candidates from diverse backgrounds, including the Disabled and Veterans, Hartsock says. “The rise of AI [artificial intelligence] is transforming the job market, leading to a large number of individuals, such as women who took a break for childcare or those recently laid off, re-entering the workforce. They come with lots of skills that transfer into government roles and a new perspective.”

She notes that the Washington, D.C. Department of Employment Services has created a partnership with local Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to hire graduates and initiate apprenticeships in the public sector. “Thanks to this initiative, several apprentices are now excelling in various government roles, encouraging other students to consider careers in government by showcasing the available advantages and opportunities.”

Jobseekers can apply to these opportunities in the public sector through the portal: SkillsNation by BuildWithin.

It’s important, Hartsock tells Co-op Solutions, that local jurisdictions have a solid digital brand on platforms such as LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. “A vibrant online presence can make your organization more attractive to potential candidates when you post job openings. People are drawn to brands that are exciting and appealing.”

Two other strategies that Hartsock believes can aid in successful recruiting of government professionals: 

• Engage directly with students by speaking in university and college classes and participating in their job fairs. “This direct interaction can help you connect with future talent.”

• Connect with startups and tech groups in your area. “Every city has a community of startups and tech enthusiasts with a credible pool of talent. Establishing partnerships with these local groups can ensure a constant flow of potential candidates.”

There is a tool, says Hartsock, that may help government buying teams gain some efficiencies on acquisitions. “Cooperative procurement contracts offer a strategic solution for understaffed local government procurement departments, saving time and enhancing staff efficiency. The traditional procurement process demands substantial resources, which can be a burden for such departments. By eliminating the need for each public entity to conduct their own comprehensive solicitations, organizations can operate with greater agility.”

She notes that cooperative agreements give governments access to an extensive pool of pre-vetted, high-quality suppliers, including those who might not typically participate in individual bids. “Entities can utilize existing contracts, removing the necessity for separate solicitation processes, thus conserving staff time and resources. Additionally, cooperative purchasing capitalizes on the collective buying power of multiple agencies, negotiating lower prices from suppliers and resulting in considerable cost-savings for individual entities.”

Hartsock notes that by using pre-negotiated contracts within cooperative purchasing agreements, agencies may face fewer administrative burdens. She explains that the contracts have undergone rigorous legal reviews.

BuildWithin offers a learning platform, equipped with AI coaches, task management and administrative tools. The platform is suited for startups, small organizations and established enterprises, including governments.