Internships a great way to get students immersed in workforce

Most everyone would agree that positive things happen as a result of teamwork.

This is just the case with the Warren County High School and Business Roundtable Action Committee (BRAC) Internship Program.

BRAC chairman and Accu-Router president Todd Herzog, along with WCHS career and technical programs director Tracy Risinger, are working together to match student interests and future career goals to specific needs of local businesses.

Last winter, approximately 75 high school students toured local industrial plants followed by a presentation explaining the internship program. Fifty-eight students then completed applications and r??sum??s for possible employment. Last spring, several BRAC members reviewed the applications, conducted interviews, and hired their first interns.

Due to the successful placements last spring, as well as the positive responses from those involved, the program is expected to grow even more this fall. Herzog interviewed and hired an engineering intern last spring who started work in August. And, a second intern for his accounting department was interviewed and hired this month.

According to Herzog, ‘Both of these students represent future talent that could be full-time employees of our company once their education process is over. In the meantime, we can assess their on-the job skill development and value they bring to our firm, short and long term.’

Herzog also commended WCHS principal James Bennett and Ms. Risinger for their support in making the program a success.

Risinger is pleased with the benefits and opportunities the internship provides WCHS students as well.

‘The internship program provides students the opportunity to apply lessons learned in class to real-life work situations,’ she said. ‘Warren County businesses are providing WCHS students not only a great employment opportunity, but the chance to gain valuable work experience that can help with post-secondary training and possibly lead to long-term employment.’

Other local businesses involved in the internship program include McMinnville Electric System and Oster Products, with possible future placements at Southern Manufacturing Group, McMinnville Molding, Morrison Tool and Fab, and Magness Library.

If your business is interested in participating in the student internship program, or if you would like more information about the program, please contact Todd Herzog at 668-7127 or Tracy Risinger at 668-5915.