Great Bend High School’s Internship Program has launched 13 seniors into the local workforce this fall, giving students the opportunity put classroom learning to practical use in the workplace.
In the first academic year for this program, 13 students received placement at seven local employers who represent a wide-variety of industries. The Internship Program is a capstone for GBHS’ Career and Technical Education tracts. Interns must meet high academic and attendance standards before applying and interviewing for an internship placement with a host business partner.
“The GBHS Internship Program is beneficial for everyone involved,” said Lacy Wolters, ACT & Career Coordinator at GBHS. “For students, the goal is to increase their knowledge of workplace skills and receive on-the-job experience that build upon what they’ve learned in the classroom. For employers, they get to influence career training, help students make informed educational and career choices, and gain access to an expanded pool of qualified applicants. The list of benefits goes on and on, it’s really a ‘win’ for everyone involved!”
By the end of this first semester, each intern will have logged roughly 60 hours at his or her host business. Some will continue their work at their host business with another 60 hours in the spring semester.
“Recruiting is a big reason we patriciate in opportunities like this,” said Dr. Ty Brunswig, veterinarian at Animal Medical Center. “For students who are interested in a medical career of some type, we want to provide exposure to veterinary medicine and let them get to know us and our practice with the hope that they may come back to our community.”
In addition to on-the-job experience, the GBHS Internship Program includes a classroom component that Wolters describes as a powerful time of reflection.
“On Fridays, we meet as a class to record observations from the week,” said Wolters. “This provides an opportunity for students to share experiences with their peers, formulate questions for their host businesses, and work on portfolio items.”
Interns will showcase their digital portfolios at a special event scheduled for Dec. 7 from 6-8 p.m. at Great Bend High School. Families, host businesses, as well as prospective interns for the 23-24 school year are invited to attend.
For more information about the GBHS Internship Program, please contact Lacy Wolters, ACT & Career Coordinator at [email protected] or 620-793-1521.
GBHS would like to extend its gratitude to the 2022-2023 host businesses partners:
• Advanced Therapy & Sports Medicine
• Animal Medical Center
• Comfort Pro Inc.
• Fuller Industries Inc.
• Schroeder Homes & Remodeling
• Stueder Contractors Inc.
• The University of Kansas Health System - Great Bend Campus