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Johnston County recognizes interns from NextGen and county departments; HR invites applications
Summary
Human Resources Director Paulette Williams introduced interns who worked across about a dozen county departments this year and described how interested applicants can contact HR. Representatives from NCWorks NextGen explained their role in providing funded internships to eligible youth.
Human Resources Director Paulette Williams on Sept. 2 introduced a group of interns who served in Johnston County departments during the 2024–25 year and invited others interested in internships to contact the HR office. The board and public welcomed interns from departments including public information, emergency services, 9‑1‑1 communications, technology services, tourism and administration.
Williams said the interns represent roughly a dozen departments and include high‑school and college students from regional institutions. She said many departments post opportunities directly, and interested applicants should contact the human resources office for assistance.
Representatives from NCWorks NextGen, including John Lauder and program manager Kenya Smith, explained that their program — operated by Johnston County Industries out of Selma and funded by Capital Area Workforce Development — helps eligible youth gain job training and work experience. Smith said NextGen subsidizes internships that allow participants to try workplace roles; internships generally run over a summer for school‑year students and up to 16 weeks for those entering work immediately.
Kenya Smith said NextGen fills positions in local government and nonprofit settings and that the program pays for internship placements so participants can experience fields they are considering for careers. John Lauder urged county departments to continue partnering with NextGen when they have opportunities.
The board recognized individual interns in attendance, including Kate (Katie) Spivey from East Carolina University, and listed other interns by department: Abigail Gallegos (public information), Hayden Gray (9‑1‑1 communications), Preston Gray (9‑1‑1 communications), Daniel Harmon (cooperative extension), Nicholas Howard (board of elections), Kaitlyn Kyle (administration), Emily Prickett (tourism), Emma Scott (administration), Joseph Snow (technology services), Morgan Wells (administration), and others. County staff members in attendance included Brashear Bryant (human resources), Jackson Honeycutt (internal audit) and Clayton Johnson (emergency services).
Williams encouraged anyone interested in interning with the county to reach out to the human resources office; she said opportunities vary by department and season and that staff can assist candidates and departments in matching applicants with openings.
The board thanked the interns and partners and suggested county social channels highlight intern placements and photos to promote the program.
