In a recent government meeting, officials highlighted the success of a new internship program aimed at providing workforce opportunities for young residents in Appalachia. The initiative, a collaboration between the City of Ashland, the University of Kentucky, and the Kentucky Rural Water Association, was designed to engage high school and early college students in the utilities sector, particularly focusing on water management.

Director of Utilities, Mark Hall, reported that the program, known as the Waterworks program, received 23 applications, leading to the hiring of four interns, with three additional seasonal positions created due to the high caliber of applicants. Funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, the program offers interns $12 per hour, along with support for uniforms and mileage.

The internship lasted 12 weeks, during which participants received hands-on training and mentorship from experienced staff. Hall noted that the program not only benefited the interns but also provided valuable teaching opportunities for the mentors, fostering a mutually beneficial learning environment.

One intern, Erenberg, shared his positive experience, detailing his work in the wastewater collection system and expressing enthusiasm for a potential career in the field. The program aims to retain young talent in the community, with some interns already expressing interest in permanent positions within the city’s wastewater treatment plant.

Officials emphasized the importance of such programs in providing young people with viable career paths and the potential for long-term employment in public service roles. The meeting concluded with a reminder of an upcoming tour of the wastewater treatment plant, further illustrating the city’s commitment to engaging the community in its operations.