Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Deputy Secretary for Workforce Development Eileen Cipriani recently visited SEKISUI SPI’s global thermoplastics manufacturing facility in Bloomsburg to highlight the State/Local Internship Program (SLIP).
The internship with SEKISUI SPI provides paid work experience for students and helps them to develop science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) job skills.
During the tour, interns demonstrated operations and troubleshooting of SEKISUI SPI’s manufacturing production line. The company employs three summer interns through SLIP.
“The current—and next—generation of our workforce are the most important resources we have, and continuing to invest in them should be a priority for every business in PA,” Sharon Haverlak, vice president of People and Culture at SEKISUI SPI, said. “The SLIP program allowed us to have our biggest intern cohort yet, spanning multiple educational institutions, fields of study, and career dreams, leaving behind a legacy of collaboration, innovation, and positive disruption. We can’t wait to see what our interns do after they finish school and to welcome another cohort next year.”
L&I provided more than $4.4 million in funding to 22 Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDBs). The Central Pennsylvania Workforce Development Board received $390,344 to provide summer internships with local employers. Students learn résumé writing, interview skills, financial literacy, diversity training, and entrepreneurial skills.
SLIP is operating for eight weeks from May 6 until Aug. 30. The program offers full-time wages at a minimum of $10.35 an hour for youth between 16 and 24 years. The 2019 SLIP is funded through federal money made available from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
“SLIP internships are helping nearly 1,100 young Pennsylvanians get the real-world work experience and job skills they need to succeed,” Cipriani said. “The program provides opportunities with local employers, establishing a career path for students as they pursue future employment while creating a job-ready talent pool for employers.”