Northeast Metro Business | Page 34

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

A

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