People are the most valuable resource to businesses. Creating a talent pipeline allows companies to succeed, expand and compete in our ever-evolving business world. To remain innovative and competitive, businesses need to reach local talent early.
Through internship programs with the Arlington Independent School District (AISD) and the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), businesses have the opportunity to utilize talented and skilled students to gain social capital while cultivating our community’s next generation’s workforce.
The Arlington ISD’s goal to have 100% of its students graduate exceptionally prepared for college, career and citizenship. Throughout their high school years, students will engage in a sequence of courses in one of 16 career pathways and 32 areas of study. These career pathways open the students up to participate in Student Practicum Program during their senior year.
The Student Practicum Program is a collaboration between the AISD, the Chamber and the business community. It offers high school seniors the ability to connect classroom theories and methods with real-world experience while developing their personal and professional skills.
The UT Arlington’s internship program has over 40 different academic internship coordinators. Giving the business community the opportunity to connect with multiple colleges within the university to gain access to specifically skilled talent.
The UTA Lockheed Martin Career Development Center provides employers a wide-array of internship opportunities to fit their company’s needs. One being the Economic Development through Guidance Education (EDGE) Program, which is a dedicated internship initiative with the goal of developing experiential learning opportunities for UTA students. Through participation in this program, employer partners receive specialized services including, program support, expanded marketing opportunities, and event discounts.
We urge the business community to engage in these unique opportunities as internships are vital to the success of our local businesses and our community as a whole. We know that both of these programs have strong leadership behind them that ready and waiting to partner with your business and help guide you through the process.
The Chamber would like your feedback and ask that you participate in a brief 4-minute survey to assess your knowledge and interest in our community internship programs. Take the “Internship Assessment” Survey Now!
If you are interested in participating or learning more about either program, please email the Chamber at education@arlingtontx.com.