Visit a Local Middle/High School
Outreach to local students is one of the best ways to increase community awareness of your plant and secure a new talent pipeline. ICPF’s Middle/High School Outreach Toolkit allows you to choose from two hands-on activities students can design, build, and assemble corrugated materials. These projects, approved and refined by educators and career counselors, not only showcase the versatility and sustainability of corrugated packaging but also allow the next generation of talent to explore the creative and practical applications of the packaging industry. The resources provided in this toolkit include:
- Activity instructions
- ICPF’s industry highlight video
- Industry & career-related information
- A QR code to help students stay connected!
Host a Corrugated Boat Race
If you are looking for ways to connect with schools in your area and expose the next generation of talent to the corrugated packaging industry, consider sponsoring a Corrugated Boat Race. Through collaboration with the school, you can sponsor an event for students to work in teams to design boats made out of corrugated sheets that will then be put to the test in their high school swimming pool. Download our step-by-step guide and access ICPF’s resources for employers to get started.
*The word cardboard is used throughout the slides to bridge the gap of understanding because educators and students most commonly use this phrase when they mean corrugated.
In 2024, ICPF teamed up with The Royal Group to co-sponsor a race at Morton West High School in Cicero, IL. Students in grades 9-12 formed teams that designed, built, and competed for prize money with their corrugated boats. ICPF put together a video documenting the event itself and students’ experience as they worked with corrugated materials and connected with a local box plant. Use this and the toolkit above as inspiration for your own boat race.
Attend a Career Fair
Career fairs present a hands-on, effective way for employers to connect with and recruit students at all levels. ICPF’s Career Fair Toolkit has everything you need to make a lasting impression and connect with top talent at in-person or virtual career fairs. We’re here to help you take the stress out of career fair planning and focus on what matters most–building connections with future team members. In this resource, you will find:
- Checklist to secure your booth and prepare for the fair
- Tips to connect with candidates online before and after the fair
- ICPF resources to outfit your booth – showcase our Jobs Quiz, Industry Culture Document, Industry Highlight Video, and more
