Bridging Classroom Learning and Real-World Success
There is a significant difference between learning a skill in a classroom and applying it out on a real-world job site. An internship bridges that gap by giving students and emerging workers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, develop problem-solving skills, and better understand how individual roles come together within an industry.
For Wyoming employers, internships also provide an opportunity to introduce new talent to their business, build a future workforce pipeline, and invest in the skills their communities need.
Creating a Pipeline for Local Talent
Habitat for Humanity of Laramie County has successfully utilized the Internship Grant multiple times over the past three years, turning internship opportunities into long term employment. “We hired all four of those employees when the internship ended,” shared Daffney Sandoval, Development Director at Habitat for Humanity of Laramie County. The Internship Grant has allowed Habitat for Humanity to provide meaningful work experience while also identifying individuals who may be a strong fit for future employment.
Transforming Students Into Trade Professionals
Most recently, Habitat partnered with Laramie County School District 1 (LCSD1) to provide internship opportunities for two high school trades students as construction began on Pronghorn Crossing, Habitat’s newest residential development in Cheyenne.
The experience had a meaningful impact on both students, including Gavin Cicarelli, an aspiring electrician who designed and built the development’s entry sign. Gavin has chosen to continue working with Habitat while he waits to begin an electrical apprenticeship program, sharing that he “loves understanding all the pieces as he goes into a specific field and hopes it will make him better at the work he does.” Sandoval also saw the students gain a broader understanding of the construction industry, noting, “they both reported that being able to see the home building process as a whole through the lens of Habitat made a big impact on how they view other contractors, timelines, and to consider seriously if they will own a business.”
Empowering Employers While Building Wyoming’s Workforce
For Habitat, the Internship Grant has provided the flexibility to bring younger, less-experienced workers into the organization while giving them meaningful training and work experience. “It allowed us to take a risk on younger employees without experience, teaching them construction and giving us a better understanding of our needs as we expand our construction team,” Sandoval explained.
Habitat is also encouraging other Wyoming employers to consider creating similar opportunities. “We want to see other contractors take on one or two student interns,” Sandoval said. “This gives students some paid experience to see if this is something they really want to do.”
Through partnerships between employers, schools, community organizations, and workforce programs, the WDTF Internship Grant is helping Wyoming businesses develop talent while giving individuals the opportunity to explore careers, build valuable skills, and take their first steps into the workforce.
Gavin Cicarelli explaining how he built the sign that will be displayed at the Pronghorn Crossing development when landscaping is complete.
Ready to grow your own team and mentor the next generation? Learn more and apply for the WDTF Internship Grant today!.