At Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) a new internship program is up, running, and designed to be a win-win for everyone: LCU needs well-trained people to fill job openings within the utility, and residents need good jobs. The first two interns - Errol Lockett and Bryan Eakins - are onsite being trained for jobs at LCU facilities, while they take classes at Doña Ana Community College (DACC) and pursue an Associate of Water Technology Degree.
It’s not just LCU that supports this type of program, it’s the entire City. “We are committed to providing pathways for local youth to develop job skills that allow them to find well-paid permanent employment right here in our beautiful community,” says City Manager Stuart C. Ed. “Right now, several City departments are launching internship programs that support education, on-the-job training, and job opportunities.”
The LCU Internship Program (LCUIP) pays for tuition and other reasonable education-related expenses, including a monthly stipend and paid on-the-job training to assist with educational and living expenses. That’s in exchange for up to 20 hours of work per week during semesters and 40 hours per week maximum during academic breaks.
“This is a competitive program that awards internships to students wishing to, or who currently are, pursuing an Associate Degree in Water Technology,” explains Adrienne L. Widmer, P.E., water administrator. “We are encouraging local students to discover LCUIP.”
In exchange for a paid education and job training, interns commit to working four to eight years with the City of Las Cruces as an operator or lab technician after graduation. The intern graduates will work at LCU in the Water, Wastewater, or Regulatory Environmental Services Sections.
Ed stresses, “We also challenge our community business partners in our professional affiliations and associations to cultivate engaging mentorship programs to do all we can as a community to retain our local talent pool.”
Lockett feels he has gained “purpose beyond a paycheck” with the new LCU work/study internship. Eakins adds, “Many people don’t have the experience or education to apply for these kinds of jobs and they can’t afford to go get that training.” Eakin continues, “This internship offers not only a way to get an education, but also the opportunity to enter a career immediately after.”
Interested in knowing more about applying for the LCUIP? Please check the City’s web site http://www.las-cruces.org/departments/public-information-office/hot-topics/lcu-internships for the next semester program brochure.
Submitted by Las Cruces Utilities
You can reach Las Cruces Utilities at 528-3500 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Las Cruces Utilities provides GAS – WATER – WASTEWATER – SOLID WASTE services to approximately 100,000 Las Cruces residents and businesses.