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Purpose Driven Work: Utilizing the motivation behind the new workforce to build a successful internship programAbstractThe intern program at South Platte Renew was formalized in 2019 to highlight the work of professional engineers in the water/wastewater field. Over the last four years, the program has evolved into a comprehensive experience for junior to senior level university and college engineering students to showcase the diverse engineering and problem-solving opportunities available within a professional setting. Experiences range from construction inspection, design and planning, budgeting, technical and process optimization, lab work, and piloting treatment technologies. In providing several resources and contacts, students can explore different facets of the wastewater field and experience the unique offerings from a public entity. Along with classic engineering technical skills, interns are shown the political drivers and challenges that must be considered when working as a government agency. Students are also given the opportunity to grow their professional networks, complete vital trainings, and build resumes with applicable experience. The main goal of the SPR Intern Program is to engage young engineers in the diverse work of wastewater in hopes to inspire them to join the workforce in the public sector. This presentation highlights the efforts and methods by SPR to build and maintain an intern program and how others can benefit from a university-to-organization pipeline. The framework and planning documents can be customized for the 3-month internship based on the organization's needs and focuses for that year.This paper was presented at the WEF/AWWA Utility Management Conference, February 13-16, 2024.SpeakerWilliss Kohr, ZeenaPresentation time13:30:0015:00:00Session time13:30:0015:00:00SessionWorkforce Development: A Focus on OperatorsSession number05Session locationOregon Convention Center, Portland, OregonTopicWorkforce Development / Succession Planning / Knowledge ManagementTopicWorkforce Development / Succession Planning / Knowledge ManagementAuthor(s)Williss Kohr, ZeenaAuthor(s)Z. Williss Kohr1, A. Schroeder1Author affiliation(s)South Platte Renew 1; South Platte Renew 1;SourceProceedings of the Water Environment FederationDocument typeConference PaperPublisherWater Environment FederationPrint publication date Feb 2024DOI10.2175/193864718825159242Volume / Issue Content sourceUtility Management ConferenceWord count17
Kohr et al. (Wed,) studied this question.