Edhat Staff
Source: Santa Barbara County Education Office
Partners in Education, a Santa Barbara County-based nonprofit organization, is currently seeking employers interested in hiring interns for the summer, beginning June 15, 2018.
Since 1977, Partners in Education has connected businesses and individuals with schools and youth-serving nonprofit organizations that serve them. One of the ways they accomplish this is by coordinating a comprehensive internship program that provides paid, experiential learning opportunities as well as in-depth job readiness training to high school students in south Santa Barbara County.
Research shows that employers are more likely to hire young professionals who can demonstrate both prior work experience and soft skills. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, employers deemed their top four career readiness competencies—critical
Partners in Education uses business and education partnerships to energize and motivate students by connecting classroom learning to real world applications. Through the Paid Student Internship Program, students earn minimum wage for 14 training hours and 80 hours on the job.
Employers appreciate the ease of working with the program, particularly the option to split the total cost of the intern wages.
“It’s a great deal,” says Doug Ford, President of D.D. Ford Construction, who has hired several interns through the program.
“On top of being convenient and cost-effective, one of the biggest reasons we’re involved is simply because of how inspiring it is for our employees to be part of the growth the students experience,” Ford adds.
Each year, 60 students earn spots in the program and work in a wide variety of fields, from healthcare and business to construction and auto mechanics.
Partners in Education handles all student employment items (insurance, work permits, tax paperwork, etc.). Volunteers who serve as career coaches help students complete seven weeks of volunteer-run job readiness training on topics such as resumes and cover letters, interview and communication skills, workplace attire, and even financial literacy.
If you or your business is interested in hiring interns for the summer, please contact Elizabeth Adams, Partners’ program services manager, at (805) 964-4710, ext. 4413 or by email at eadams@sbceo.org. Visit partners@sbceo.org to learn more.
