INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS

Scott Firmin

September 2014

What’s the Goal?

Awareness and experience in the water quality profession

Satisfy educational requirements Get real work done

Talented and capable candidates

Positions

Summer temps. General labor Laboratory, engineering, operations

Internships Apprentice Positions

Internships

An internship is a method of on-the-job training for white-collar and professional careers. Internships for professional careers are similar in some ways to apprenticeships for trade and vocational jobs, but the lack of standardization and oversight leaves the term open to broad interpretation. Interns may be college or university students, high school students, or post-graduate adults. These positions may be paid or unpaid and are usually temporary.

– source Wikipedia

A Slide with Too Many Words

Generally, an internship consists of an exchange of services for experience between the student and an organization. Students can also use an internship to determine if they have an interest in a particular career, create a network of contacts or gain school credit. Some interns find permanent, paid employment with the organizations for which they worked. This can be a significant benefit to the employer as experienced interns often need little or no training when they begin regular employment. Unlike a trainee program, employment at the completion of an internship is not guaranteed.

– source Wikipedia

DAVID ARCHARDMANAGING DIRECTOR, LMK TECHNOLOGIESDARCHARD@LMKTECHNOLOGIES.COM

I began my 30 year career as an Intern/Co-op student from Wentworth Institute at the Boston Water and Sewer Commission. I am convinced that I would not be where I am without that Internship. One year after graduation, I was leaving my job as an Engineering Consultant to join BWSC as a Design Engineer. It was a great move for me personally and professionally.

Why are Internships a smart choice?• They provide invaluable work experience.• They allow students to learn about the business

they are entering and deal with work associates.• They provide limitless Networking opportunities.• You can learn new skills, and• You can make money while getting college credits.

Ted Berry Co.

Saco WRRF

Internship with USM Industrial Technology Program

“Off and on” since mid-2000’s Developed relationship with USM – “they

would call in March” Generally selected 2nd or 3rd year students

Looking for analytical and mechanical skills

“Can be beneficial to both parties…”

Brunswick Sewer District

Two positions each year One in collections, one in treatment

Relationship with UMO Engineering Dept. Receive a number of interested candidates

Worth the time and effort - they work hard and are energetic

“Trying to get them interested… we don’t have a lot of positions here, but at least one person got a job with another utility in Maine.”

Woodard and Curran

Each Service Line has at least one intern/yr.

Formal program – managed by HR Dept. Meaningful and real assignments

Pump sizing with a report Formal presentation at the end of

internship

“Gives us a peak at new talent. It’s been a great program with several hires.” and “Definitely win/win.”

Tom Schwartz

“Any young person considering a career in the field should definitely take advantage of an internship, whether it is in operations or engineering.”

PWD

Engineering Temps., Operations Engineering Temp., Environmental Science Temps.

Wastewater Operator (Apprentice) Positions Similar to Water Systems Operator positions Allows individual to obtain required licenses

within 2 yrs. as experience is gained Spend time in each treatment plant,

wastewater systems, AMaP, and tour water services

Sanford Water District

Developed business plan to justify position

Identified specific outcomes and the value

Position helps manage work associated with the summer construction season

“As a former intern myself, I understand the benefit of having a highly motivated and skilled… professional in the workplace.” – Keith Lavasseur

First Steps

Define the position Will it be an internship? It is summer help?

Set the expectations What will be accomplished?

Reach out to potential sources of applicants Universities, Community Colleges, Vocational

Programs, others

Create a Job Description

Work with HR Dept. Safety Awareness and Required Training Policy review Compensation

Paid Unpaid

Tasks and general requirements

Items to Consider

Safety Assignments – meaningful, useful, and

reasonable with opportunity for success Have a goal – what do you hope to

accomplish? Specific projects Introduction to the water quality profession Possible candidates for future job

opportunities

Questions?

Remember – there are plenty of others who can help you take the first step in creating

similar positions.