Internship Program: Developing the Workforce of Tomorrow

About the Program

Category: Personnel Management, Employment and Training (Best in Category)

Year: 2015

Henrico County implemented a formal Internship Program in 2012 aimed at positioning the County as an employer-of-choice for young adults and at the same time, having a year round source of motivated, short-term employees. The three phases of the program focused on the creation of a small pilot, development of program materials, and implementation of a County-wide initiative. The results have been outstanding! The program grew from a pilot with only two students in one agency to hosting 89 interns in 15 County agencies in less than three years. Both applications from students and requests for interns from County departments have increased over the five semesters the program has been in operation. After working as interns, students have applied for 68 positions with the County, showing that the goal of positioning Henrico County as a preferred employer for this population is being met. Henrico County’s Internship Program is growing the workforce of tomorrow by developing the skills of young people and their passion for serving their communities as a local government employee.