msdgc.org
Pilot Internship Program Targets Future City Workforce
City Manager, School District Superintendent, High School Students Outline New Program
Cincinnati Enquirer also published an article about the interns.
(Cincinnati) - Within the next three to five years, between 25-to-40 percent of the employees at the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati (MSDGC) will be eligible for retirement. That's one reason why City Manager Milton Dohoney today unveiled the Summer Intern Academy at MSDGC, where a six-week pilot program provides paid internships to 16 students from six high schools in the Cincinnati Public School District. The college-bound students plan to pursue careers in biology, environmental science, engineering, electronics, computer science and business management.
"Working closely with Cincinnati Public Schools, we see this pilot program as an additional way for us to attract the next qualified and dedicated workforce. This program will also recognize the need to showcase the rewards and professional satisfaction of a career in public service," said Milton Dohoney, Jr., City Manager, City of Cincinnati.
Interns chosen for the Student Intern Academy pilot summer jobs program will gain valuable professional development skills. They will work on projects with their mentors Monday through Thursday and receive professional development training on Fridays. The students will work on actual work-related projects underway at MSDGC.
2007 Student Intern Academy Participants
Anthony Benton |
Ryan Ragland |
James Darden |
Zachary (Zach) Salzbrun |
Erika Finklea |
Courtney Spears |
Charles Fletcher |
Richard (Michael) Strickland |
Kyra Graham |
Jasmyne Walker |
Theo Hall |
Tatiana Watson |
Amos Hope |
Jasmine Williams |
Sapphire Marshall |
Elision Woods |
"Our Succession Planning team continues to look for ways to help retain critical knowledge and skills that will be lost through employee retirements. In addition to attracting new candidates, this program creates hands-on learning experiences for students who work side-by-side with employees who act as mentors. We hope this endeavor will seed our future workforce," said James A. (Tony) Parrott, Executive Director, MSDGC.
This pilot project is sponsored by the City of Cincinnati, the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati and the Cincinnati Public School District.
"We are fortunate to share a strong enthusiasm with MSD to pilot a program that significantly enhances learning for our students. Thank you for thinking of the students and families in our district," said Rosa Blackwell, Superintendent, Cincinnati Public Schools.
The Academy, which could be expanded to other City departments, runs through August 10.
Dr. Kaniz Siddiqui is the Coordinator.
Every day, the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati (MSDGC) manages the effective collection and treatment of more than 200 million gallons of wastewater and actively maintains 3,000 miles of sanitary and combined sewers that run through the 49 municipalities and townships of Hamilton County. MSDGC is owned by Hamilton County and operated by the City of Cincinnati. MSDGC is committed to continually maintaining and improving its wastewater collection and treatment systems for the betterment of both public and environmental health.
