Summer Internship Program a Hit with Participants, Parents and Business Owners
Workhorse Cafe owner, Kurt Williams, mentored Leland & Gray Senior, Mykah Meizis, on the finer points of small business ownership and how to make some of the best sandwiches in Southern Vermont!
Approximately 40 participants, both student and adult learners, took part in P3’s first Summer Internship Bootcamp Intensive with support from the Vermont Department of Labor. Participants spent four days learning about professionalism, resume writing, and how to craft a great “elevator pitch”. Career panels with local employers and representatives from Vermont Student Assistance Corporation and Community College of Vermont rounded out the programming.
Those who completed the Intensive, or who had already completed on the job experiences, were able to pursue an internship or job shadow experience. Many local employers responded to this opportunity by offering to host interns in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, journalism, law enforcement, construction, and engineering.
By the end of October, 15 participants had completed internships with local employers, with wages paid through the Department of Labor. Although this was our first Intensive, BDCC has implemented a successful Paid Internship program for college students many years. The program worked exceptionally well, with a 25% hire-on rate to permanent positions, because it went the extra mile to prepare employers to provide a meaningful work and learning experience, and ensure the experience matched each intern’s interests. In working with high schoolers, BDCC goes the additional step to ensure students are appropriately prepared prior to placing them in a job experience, whether through summer programs like this or training during the school year offered through BDCC’s Pipelines and Pathways Program.
The feedback from students, employers and parents has been incredibly positive. The Principal at Brattleboro Union High School has requested more Internship Intensives for spring and summer, 2022 based on feedback from parents and students. There was more demand than the 2021 program could meet – a great sign that young Vermonters want and need more career education to prepare them for post-graduation life.
“[My son] seems so very HAPPY with the program today!!! You must be doing so many things RIGHT because he WANTS to return despite participating in games that he feels “not good at.” What this tells me is that you made him feel seen and you made it feel safe – this is WONDERFUL.” – Parent of career bootcamp participant
“This was Ben’s last week and we are so happy with the work he was able to do for us! He finished a book cover, and redesigned our virtual information session presentation. Thanks to BDCC for connecting us with Ben! ” – Catherine Hays, Oak Meadow
“We had a great time working with Kai. We found he was self-directed and able to take on tasks and find creative solutions to accomplish them quickly and efficiently.” – Robin Johnson, The Stone Church
“They are doing an EXCELLENT job. Julius’ writing could pass for a staff writer’s. We don’t have a photo but I have attached a PDF of the page in the Arts section this week containing their film review.” – Gena Mangiaratti, Brattleboro Reformer
“Mazie was a great intern! Motivated, able to work independently, took direction well, cheerful attitude, always asking what can I do next. She learned a lot, saw several projects through to their completion. All around good experience.” – Lissa Weinmann, Brattleboro Words Trail
