Safety internships benefit employers and students
Released: November 11, 2003
For employers in Wisconsin working to maintain a safe workplace, the department of Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health can be a valuable resource. UW-Whitewater is the only school in the state to offer a major in occupational safety. A mandatory part of that coursework is an internship during a student’s final semester, working in a company under the supervision of a safety professional.
“We would like to grow our internship program,” said Andrew Kapp, safety professor and internship coordinator.
Placing interns with companies is primarily a matching process, Kapp noted, based on a company’s requirements and a student’s interests and abilities. Typically employers provide a stipend to help defer the cost of living during the internship. Many companies that sponsor safety interns are “repeat customers,” seeking interns year and after year.
“We have used the program five times and hired four interns as full-time employees. The knowledge level is exceptional and consistent,” said Joe Gumola, associate facilities manager for Underwriters Laboratories.
Kapp noted, however, there’s no expectation that a position will turn into full-time employment. “This is a great opportunity for businesses to explore the possibility of internships, just to ask questions and get more information.”
- Jane Provorse ,provorsj@uww.edu
