Cleveland County Schools students learn hands-on skills through new program

Rebecca Sitzes, Shelby Star
·3 min read
Ian Hunnell, Cleveland County Schools student, recently gained new skills while completing an internship at a veterinarian's office.
Ian Hunnell, Cleveland County Schools student, recently gained new skills while completing an internship at a veterinarian's office.

A new work-based program is offering Cleveland County Schools students the opportunity to gain hands-on career experience at restaurants, veterinarians, mechanics, manufacturing companies and more.

During the course of the past school year, a new program was implemented that allowed students to leave campus during a class period to work in business or industry. During the first semester, the program was piloted with five students. Second semester 15 students across the county participated.

“My internship at Cottonwood Veterinary Hospital was truly an amazing experience,” said Ian Hunnell, recent graduate of Burns High School. “I learned more than I ever could have in a traditional classroom. I gained new skills, knowledge and procedures in a real life situation. This internship taught me that I absolutely love the veterinary field and can’t wait to pursue it as a career.”

Rhonda Benfield, CTE district coordinator for Cleveland County Schools, helped implement the program.

"Our internship program has been a great addition to Career and Technical Education, and to Cleveland County Schools,” she said. “This is meaningful work-based learning, and it is such an important part of what we do. Partnering with our local employers to provide these opportunities for students has become crucial. We need each other to both address the workforce crisis and provide students with career and life readiness. There is no better way for students to learn about the world of work and develop their employability skills."

In addition to earning course credit, most students earned a wage as well. Out of the 20 interns, 14 students received payment from the internship sponsor. Fifteen of the interns were offered continued employment after their internship program ended.

Jody Ledbetter, industrial fabrication manager at Maco, Inc., was one of the first employers in Cleveland County to host an intern.

“The interns are helping complete projects just like the full-time employees, and in hopes that they eventually obtain permanent employment. It helps to know what you have for the future workforce instead of seeking out people, which eliminates guesswork.” Ledbetter said.

Some other businesses that hosted interns this past school year were IMA Contractors, KGS Plants, Tri-City Animal Hospital, Tally & Smith Architecture, Greenheck Fan Corporation, Pioneer Motor Bearing, Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Richie’s Body Shop, Hamrick Fence Company, Hinkle’s Pet Hospital, Walker Woodworking, and Humphries Automotives.

Summer internships are now occurring at Shelby City Park, Boulevard Animal Hospital, Cleveland County Animal Shelter, Steffes, Greenheck Fan Corporation, SonRidge Farm, Hospice/VIA, 133 West, and Jamerson Technologies.

In order for a student to participate in an internship, they must have completed an upper level CTE (Career Technical Education) course. Students are required to work 135 hours, keep a weekly journal, answer analysis questions throughout the semester, and give a final presentation at the end of the semester.

In addition to possibly obtaining permanent employment, students can move into an apprenticeship program where education and training is free. Anyone interested in hosting an intern or learning more about the program, contact Penny Clontz at pclontz@clevelandcountyschools.org or call 704-692-0971.

This article originally appeared on The Shelby Star: Cleveland County Schools students learn hands-on career skills