The Advantages of Training High School Grads for Entry-Level Jobs

Hiring for entry-level roles can feel like you’re constantly plugging leaks in a pipeline—new hires come in, but they don’t quite fit, and you’re back to square one. Training high school graduates gives you the chance to build a strong, custom-fit team from the ground up.

Instead of patching gaps with mismatched candidates, you shape their skills to meet your exact needs, reducing turnover and increasing productivity. In this article, we show you how training high school grads turns your hiring challenges into a win for your business.

6 Advantages for Training High School Graduates for Entry-Level jobs

1. Customized skill development

If your business relies on specific tools like customer relationship management (CRM) software, proprietary systems, or specialized machinery, you can train high school graduates directly on these from the start. This targeted training approach ensures they quickly become proficient, enabling them to contribute effectively without the need for additional external courses or retraining. By focusing on these tools early, you avoid the common pitfalls of hiring candidates who might have experience elsewhere but aren’t familiar with your company’s unique systems.

2. Builds long-term loyalty

Investing in training high school graduates creates a sense of loyalty because they see that you’re committed to their growth. This loyalty translates into a stable workforce that sticks around, saving you from the headaches of constant rehiring. It’s like having a solid team that knows the playbook inside out — fewer mistakes, smoother operations, and less time spent getting new hires up to speed.

Loyal employees are also more likely to put in extra effort because they feel valued, which means better performance and more innovation.

3. Fresh perspectives and innovation

High school graduates aren’t weighed down by years of doing things the "usual way." According to Deloitte, higher-growth companies, those growing more than 20% annually, often leverage diverse perspectives to stay competitive. They prioritize innovation that is driven by market needs and emerging trends, areas where younger employees excel due to their familiarity with new technologies and openness to change.

Plus, 15% of organizations start their innovation process by brainstorming new ideas, which often come from employees who bring fresh thinking. These fresh perspectives help companies break free from outdated practices, leading to more innovative solutions and improved business processes.

4. Cost-effective labor force

Young employees with only a high school diploma typically command lower wages compared to college graduates, making them a more affordable option for businesses looking to fill roles without compromising on potential. For example, the median earnings for young women with a high school diploma reached $36,000 in 2023, lower than their counterparts with some college or a degree​.

Plus, the labor force participation rate for recent high school graduates not enrolled in college stands at 71.7%, showing a strong willingness to enter the workforce immediately​. This availability, combined with lower wage expectations, allows businesses to hire eager and capable young workers at a lower cost.

5. Strong company culture fit

Hiring high school graduates gives you a blank canvas to shape. These young workers are eager to soak up your company’s values and way of doing things. Think of it as an opportunity to build a team that truly gets your vibe, without the baggage of previous work experiences. This means fewer clashes with established culture and more harmony in the workplace.

They’re fresh, they’re moldable, and they’re ready to embrace your company’s mission with both hands. Plus, it’s a lot easier to teach someone the right way to do things when they haven’t been taught the wrong way elsewhere!

6. Improved employer branding

When your company is known for giving young talent a start, it sends a strong message that you’re committed to growth and development. This reputation makes your company more attractive to both job seekers and clients.

Imagine being seen as the company that doesn’t just hire talent but shapes it. High school graduates talk—on social media, to their peers, and in their communities. When they share their positive experiences, it boosts your company’s image as a supportive, forward-thinking employer. This improved branding helps you stand out in a crowded job market, making it easier to attract top talent and even increase customer loyalty. Plus, it positions you as a company that values and nurtures its employees, which is a huge selling point in today’s competitive landscape.

Ready to Shape the Future of Your Workforce?

Training high school graduates for entry-level roles is more than just a hiring strategy — it’s an investment in the future of your company. The result? A loyal, skilled workforce that grows with your business, helping you stay competitive in a rapidly changing market. Embrace the opportunity to shape the next generation of your workforce and watch as they contribute to your company’s long-term success.

Angela Ash is an expert writer, editor and marketer, with a unique voice and expert knowledge. She focuses on topics related to remote work, freelancing, entrepreneurship and more.