100 students will get an opportunity over the three years to work in summer positions
A lot of existing workforce is approaching retirement age, and companies are struggling with how they are going to secure the next generation of workers. Ohio, the state of Midwestern United Nations is one of the many regions facing the same scenario. A new program aims to make paid internships available to Dayton-area high school students for the next three years. Through this, some local companies will connect to another pipeline of potential employees.
Southwestern Ohio Council is proud to launch the Miami Valley Intern Academy this year for Higher Education, which has four years offered college internships. A handful of companies have shown interest, and SOCHE is looking for more firms to participate.
Engineering & Science Foundation of Dayton has decided to pay 50% of the three-year cost, which is equivalent to $90,000 to employ each intern. The rest amount will be covered by the each participated company.
The internship program offers the same benefit, giving students first-hand experience of what certain career paths are like in a real day-to-day job. About 100 students are expected to get an opportunity over the three years. Some of them working limited hours during the school year and others working longer hours in summer positions.
A win-win for students and employers
“We’re looking at more in-demand industries, in particular engineering, computer technology, advanced manufacturing, health care, accounting, marketing, and other business-related fields,” said SOCHE vice president of development Patty Buddelmeyer.
For last five years, state and local school officials have tried to get high school and even middle school students thinking in more depth about possible career pathways.
Fairmont High School’s career tech center adopted the motto, “Find out what you want to do and be, for free.” They emphasize that students can effort for elective and career-focused classes early, whether in health care, business or technology pathways, potentially avoiding the expensive problem of starting on one college track, then having to switch.
The group’s website said students’ advisors or counselors will be asked to fill out an employability form for them, evaluating skills ranging from communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills, to attitude and willingness to learn, to responsibility and resilience.
“The company will be able to have an intern complete entry-level tasks that take away from management’s precious time (and at half the cost). And it will offer companies another alternative in establishing relationships with future workers,” said Patty Buddelmeyer.
