Hampton Roads Workforce Council’s NextGen Regional Internship Program provides internship opportunities for youth and young adults in Hampton Roads. This unique program pays the interns while they are working in their placements. Moreover, participants, ages 16 to 21, gain valuable experience in a variety of industries throughout the summer.
Since there are often more youth applying than positions, it is crucial for local businesses to explore how they can support the next generation workforce. Dr. Johnny Garcia, founder and CEO of SimIS, Inc. in Portsmouth, is a major supporter of this program and provides internship placements for youth from the program. He believes in the value it brings to the community. He feels “interning young men and women provides and creates a better employee.” He also adds that that it gives the opportunity for the intern to explore a career and see it if is a good fit.
In a recent Gallup Poll, the general perception is that high schools and colleges can to better to prepare youth for the workforce. Test scores, grades and graduation rates are not necessarily signs of future workplace engagement. What employers value, sometimes more than grades, is “on-the-job” experience. The poll cites some interesting statistics:
- Only 27% of college graduates had jobs upon graduation.
- However, of these, 54% had work or internships during college.
Businesses that offer these programs not only benefit themselves, but also support the future of Hampton Roads by providing youth with meaningful work experiences that can get them started on a rewarding career.
Learn more about our initiative American Graduate: Getting To Work.
Find information about internships and more at amgrad.whro.org.