VHEDC INTERNSHIP VHEDC PROGRAM INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
CONNECTS CONNECTS
STUDENTS WITH STUDENTS BUSINESSESWITH BUSINESSES
VHEDC INTERNSHIP VHEDC PROGRAM INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
CONNECTS CONNECTS
STUDENTS WITH STUDENTS BUSINESSESWITH BUSINESSES
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2014 CareerBuilders’ survey reported nearly 60 percent employers had trouble finding qualified employees. This“ skills gap” can lead to unemployment and / or underemployment for many college graduates. In 2015, the VHEDC launched an internship program with Century College to help bridge the“ skills gap” experienced by both employers and graduates. Nearly 60 percent of employers can’ t find qualified employees. According to the Economic Policy Institute, the unemployment rate for college graduates is 7.2 percent, and the underemployment rate is 14.9 percent.
For high school graduates, the unemployment rate is 19.5 percent, and the underemployment rate is 37.0 percent. The VHEDC expanded its internship program to include high school students in 2016.
Proceeds from the VHEDC Annual Dinner help fund the internships. Interested businesses submit their applications to the VHEDC online. Century College students receive college credits, and businesses are encouraged by the VHEDC to provide them with stipends that match the scholarships.
It’ s a win-win for the interns and businesses, as the students are able to strengthen their resumes for future employment, and businesses across the board can eventually benefit from a pool of skilled fulltime employees.
34 Vadnais Heights Business Guide & Community Profile