The Ponca City Chamber of Commerce held a lunch and learn event at Pioneer Technology Center (PTC) on Thursday, July 6 that provided information for organizations about internship opportunities.

Speakers for this event included Kahle Goff, Executive Director of Full Time Programs with PTC, and Jordan Jackson-Gross, Internship Coordinator for Ponca City Public Schools (PCPS).

The Chamber held this lunch and learn due to the lack of workers in the United States, and wanted to provide industries and businesses in the community with ways to strengthen their workforce.

Goff spoke first and shared information about PTC’s Work Place Learning (WBL) opportunities. The goal of WBL is to offer student learns the opportunities to gain experience in real work environments, and to potentially transfer to fulltime employment.

This experience can be either paid or unpaid depending upon training and recruitment strategies.

Students participating in WBL must meet the following criteria: 1. Meet the instructor’s criteria for participation.

2. Successfully complete a minimum of one ODCTE (find out what that means) competency or industry credential where applicable.

3. Demonstrate good attendance by staying compliant with PTC attendance policy, including attending class if not scheduled for WBL.

4. Complete, sign, and submit all required paperwork.

5. Disclose family relationships at proposed WBL; no student can participate in a WBL where their parent, guardian or other close relative is the supervisor.

6. Demonstrate good work ethic.

7. Maintain a log of activities; secure the signature of the work based mentor; and submit the log to the instructor weekly.

8. Complete the Student Work Based Learning Evaluation form and return it to their instructor.

Students over the age of 18 are allowed to work in any profession, but state law restricts what students ages 16 to 17 are able to work in. These include hazardous occupations such as the following: 1. Manufacturing or storing of explosives.

2. Coal mining or other mining.

3. Forest fire fighting and forest fire prevention, timber tract, forestry service, and occupations in logging and saw milling.

4. Exposure to radioactive substances and ionizing radiation.

5. Using power-driven hoisting apparatus or bakery machines.

6. Manufacturing brick, tile, and related products.

7. Working in wrecking, demolition, and ship-breaking operations.

A commonly asked question by employers is that of liability in the event of an accident while students are engaged in WBL-related activities. PTC provides coverage for students under Student Professional Liability and Accident Only Policies, provided that student is there for educational purposes, and not an employee of said business.

If the business hires the student and they are working as an employee in that activity, they are under that business’ workers compensation insurance if they are injured.

Jordan Jackson-Gross spoke next about PCPS’ Wildcat Internship Program.

The program is a partnership between PCPS and the Ponca City Development Authority (PCDA) for the last six years. Jackson-Gross works closely with Liz Leaming of PCDA to know about businesses and workforce needs within the community, and best connect them with a student with an interest in a particular field.

It has grown exponentially each year with more and more students participating. Last fall had 44 students involved, while last spring saw about 68 students. That number is expected to balloon this upcoming school year with over 100 students with applications in to be interns.

Students will have the opportunity to have real world experience that will assist them on their own career journeys. The goals of the program are to meet the needs of 21st century learners, and meet the needs of the community and workforce.

To become an intern, a student must be either a junior or senior that is on track to graduate, they must complete an application, and meet certain academic, behavioral, and attendance requirements. They also require recommendations from teachers.

The structure of the program sees students apply for either one or two hours of their day instead of going to a class. Students will have assignments related to the experience, but the program only requires the following from employers: 1. Complete an Employer Profile. 2. Complete the Internship Orientation form that the student will submit to the school.

3. Initial weekly time sheet that the student is responsible for submitting.

4. Communicate any concerns or needs to the school liason.

5. Complete the final evaluation. Many business partners do require that a student be 18-years old for certain jobs, and some require additional training such as HIPAA training for those wishing to go into a hospital career.

For more information on PTC internships, contact an instructor or director at 580-762-8336. For information on the Wildcat Internship Program, contact Jordan Jackson-Gross at jacksjo@pcps.us, or by phone at 580-718-4878.

Additionally, you can reach out to the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce for information on internships at 580-765-4400.