Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Workforce Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County’s General Services internship places students in skilled‑trades rotations; one intern hired
Summary
James City County’s General Services department described an eight‑week summer trades internship for high‑school juniors and seniors that rotates students through multiple trades disciplines; the county hired one intern into a staff position after the pilot year.
General Services staff described a new internship program designed to introduce high‑school students to skilled trades and public‑works careers. The eight‑week summer “trades wheel” rotates interns through electrical, HVAC, plumbing, landscaping, automotive and other trades while pairing them with master technicians and supervisors.
Why it matters: The county said the program aims to address a regional shortage of skilled trades workers, increase local hiring pipelines and give students career paths that can provide family‑supporting wages without a four‑year degree.
Program details: The program was launched in partnership with Williamsburg‑James City County Schools’ College and Career Readiness office and New Horizons Regional Education Center. In the pilot summer, the department hosted three interns; one was hired into a county position and another was advancing through the hiring process. Staff said the program includes safety training, participation in operations meetings and exposure to customer service and soft skills.
Board response: Supervisors praised the initiative and encouraged expansion beyond a summer model and larger recruitments; staff said recruiting students was the main limitation in the first year and that future years will explore school‑year internships and broader outreach. No vote was required; the briefing was informational.
