INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENTS
- Graduation Requirement: This senior internship is a required 5-credit course for graduation, providing valuable real-world experience.
- Total Hours: Students must successfully complete a total of 280 internship hours to fulfill this requirement.
- Summer Internship: During the summer, internships typically involve 20-40 hours per week, scheduled Monday through Friday. This allows for an immersive work experience.
- School Year Internship: During the school year, internship hours are typically 10-20 hours per week, scheduled Monday through Friday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, accommodating the regular school day.
- Compensation: Please note that compensation is at the discretion of the employer. Some internships may be paid, while others may be unpaid learning opportunities.
EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES
- Onboard Interns: Provide a welcoming and informative onboarding process to integrate the student into your team and company culture. This includes introductions, necessary paperwork, and an overview of their role and responsibilities.
- Create a Structured Work Environment: Offer an organized work environment with clear expectations, defined tasks, and opportunities for the intern to contribute meaningfully to projects and learn new skills.
- Comply with All Relevant Laws: Adhere to all federal, state, and local labor laws and regulations concerning interns, including those related to wages (if applicable), working hours, and workplace safety.
- Prioritize Student Safety: Maintain a safe and healthy work environment for the intern, providing necessary safety training, equipment, and supervision to mitigate any potential risks.
- Provide Mentorship: Assign a dedicated mentor or supervisor who can provide guidance, support, and constructive feedback to the intern. This relationship is crucial for the student’s professional growth and learning experience.
- Collaborate with the School Coordinator: Maintain open communication with the MTCHS Work-Based Learning Coordinator to discuss the intern’s progress, address any concerns, and ensure the internship aligns with the student’s learning objectives and school requirements.
EMPLOYER BENEFITS
- Talent Pipeline Development: Gain early access to promising young talent in the Meridian area. By engaging with interns, you can identify potential future employees, build relationships, and cultivate a pipeline of skilled individuals for your organization. This provides a cost-effective way to scout and assess future hires.
- Enhance Community Engagement and Brand Recognition: Partnering with Meridian Technical Charter High School demonstrates your commitment to local education and workforce development. This positive community involvement can enhance your company’s reputation, strengthen your brand image, and resonate with local customers and stakeholders.
- Valuable Support for Daily Operations and Projects: Interns can provide valuable support to your existing teams, contributing fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to daily tasks and specific projects. This can free up your permanent employees to focus on higher-level initiatives while providing meaningful learning opportunities for the students. Their contributions can lead to increased efficiency and productivity.
Learn more about the technical and employability skills taught at MTCHS