Macon-Bibb launches paid summer internships for young workers
The six-week program will provide job training, paid work experience and possible paths to permanent employment.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Macon-Bibb County is launching a new summer internship program to give 32 local young people paid work experience and job training.
Macon-Bibb County said in a news release Thursday that the Mayor’s Office of Youth Employment and Engagement, or M.O.Y.E.E., is a partnership with the WorkSource Middle Georgia Consortium.
The program is funded by Macon-Bibb County, WorkSource and a $50,000 grant from the Griffith Foundation.
According to the county, the program will provide job and employment training, a six-week paid internship and a chance to apply for permanent employment.
Participants ages 16 to 24 will gain hands-on experience with local businesses, government departments and other organizations across Macon-Bibb County.
The county says participants younger than 20 will work 20 hours a week, while participants ages 18 to 24 will work 25 hours a week.
“We are truly working to lift people up and prepare them for a successful career in our community,” Mayor Lester Miller said. “No matter their interest, we want to make sure people have the skills and opportunities to get ahead in life and create a stronger future for their families and neighborhoods.”
Macon-Bibb says each participant went through an application and interview process before being matched with an organization based on their interests and the results of a career assessment.
The county says local clergy members helped identify young people for the program and will also serve as mentors during the internship.
“We wanted this program to have the greatest impact in our neighborhoods, so we worked with our local clergy – those who know our families and children the best – to help find the young people that would most benefits,” Macon-Bibb County Community Affairs Executive Director Dr. Henry Ficklin said. “With us working together to open the doors for these young people – and giving them the tools to succeed – we have the chance to change the future for entire families.”
Participants are taking part in a three-day training through WorkSource Georgia at the Georgia Department of Labor from June 3 through June 5. After the training, participants will be offered tours of YKK AP and United Defense.
“In talking with local businesses and industries, they expressed a need for new hires and even applicants to have more training in soft skills like interviewing, financial management, and more,” said Howard Scott, Business Services Specialist with the WorkSource Middle Georgia Consortium.
The county says participants who perform well during the internship may get the chance to interview for open positions and full-time jobs with their assigned organization.
“This partnership is a great opportunity for the Industrial Authority to support our existing and growing industries, as well as directly help the future of our families and neighborhoods,” Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority Executive Director Stephen Adams said. “Thanks to the work of our Board and partners, Macon-Bibb has continued to attract major private investment that is creating thousands of new jobs, and now those same partnerships are working together to make those jobs attainable to the people who live in our community.”
Partner organizations include Atrium Health Navicent, Scott’s Pharmacy, Cirrus Academy, Daily Grace Nursing Adult Care Center, YKK AP, United Defense, Sheridan Construction, Stafford Builders, the Macon-Bibb County Recreation Department, Legends Fitness Center, the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department, the Bibb County Coroner’s Office, Georgia Artisan, Inc. and the Macon Water Authority.
