Scott Firmin September 2014

 Awareness and experience in the water quality profession  Satisfy educational requirements  Get real work done  Talented and capable candidates

 Summer temps.  General labor  Laboratory, engineering, operations  Internships  Apprentice Positions

 An internship is a method of on-the-job training for white-collar and professional careers. Internships for professional careers are similar in some ways to apprenticeships for trade and vocational jobs, but the lack of standardization and oversight leaves the term open to broad interpretation. Interns may be college or university students, high school students, or post-graduate adults. These positions may be paid or unpaid and are usually temporary. – source Wikipedia

 Generally, an internship consists of an exchange of services for experience between the student and an organization. Students can also use an internship to determine if they have an interest in a particular career, create a network of contacts or gain school credit. Some interns find permanent, paid employment with the organizations for which they worked. This can be a significant benefit to the employer as experienced interns often need little or no training when they begin regular employment. Unlike a trainee program, employment at the completion of an internship is not guaranteed.trainee – source Wikipedia

I began my 30 year career as an Intern/Co-op student from Wentworth Institute at the Boston Water and Sewer Commission. I am convinced that I would not be where I am without that Internship. One year after graduation, I was leaving my job as an Engineering Consultant to join BWSC as a Design Engineer. It was a great move for me personally and professionally. Why are Internships a smart choice? They provide invaluable work experience. They allow students to learn about the business they are entering and deal with work associates. They provide limitless Networking opportunities. You can learn new skills, and You can make money while getting college credits.

 Internship with USM Industrial Technology Program  “Off and on” since mid-2000’s  Developed relationship with USM – “they would call in March”  Generally selected 2 nd or 3 rd year students  Looking for analytical and mechanical skills “ Can be beneficial to both parties…”

 Two positions each year  One in collections, one in treatment  Relationship with UMO Engineering Dept.  Receive a number of interested candidates  Worth the time and effort - they work hard and are energetic “ Trying to get them interested… we don’t have a lot of positions here, but at least one person got a job with another utility in Maine.”

 Each Service Line has at least one intern/yr.  Formal program – managed by HR Dept.  Meaningful and real assignments  Pump sizing with a report  Formal presentation at the end of internship “Gives us a peak at new talent. It’s been a great program with several hires.” and “Definitely win/win.”

“Any young person considering a career in the field should definitely take advantage of an internship, whether it is in operations or engineering.”

 Engineering Temps., Operations Engineering Temp., Environmental Science Temps.  Wastewater Operator (Apprentice) Positions  Similar to Water Systems Operator positions  Allows individual to obtain required licenses within 2 yrs. as experience is gained  Spend time in each treatment plant, wastewater systems, AMaP, and tour water services

 Developed business plan to justify position  Identified specific outcomes and the value  Position helps manage work associated with the summer construction season “As a former intern myself, I understand the benefit of having a highly motivated and skilled… professional in the workplace.” – Keith Lavasseur

 Define the position  Will it be an internship?  It is summer help?  Set the expectations  What will be accomplished?  Reach out to potential sources of applicants  Universities, Community Colleges, Vocational Programs, others

 Work with HR Dept.  Safety Awareness and Required Training  Policy review  Compensation  Paid  Unpaid  Tasks and general requirements

 Safety  Assignments – meaningful, useful, and reasonable with opportunity for success  Have a goal – what do you hope to accomplish?  Specific projects  Introduction to the water quality profession  Possible candidates for future job opportunities

Remember – there are plenty of others who can help you take the first step in creating similar positions.