By: The Pottawatomie Economic Development Corporation (PCEDC) | 02.18.21
At Wamego High School, internships integrated through the school’s Career and Technical Education Program (led by Crystal Brunner, Tammy Biswell, and Jina Kugler) help students explore career options and get a head-start on gaining professional experience. One of the students involved with the program is senior Mike Snyder.
Mike has been an intern with the City of Wamego’s street department since the Fall 2020 semester. Because he wanted to work within an active work environment, Mike was interested in interning at the City when the opportunity arose. After touring the street, water, and parks departments, he chose to work with the street department, as he found the work there to be the most enjoyable. Throughout the internship, Mike has worked with the street crew on tasks and projects, including, but not limited to, street repairs, lawn care, general facility upkeep, machinery and equipment maintenance, and even burial site preparation.
Mike typically interns for several hours every other day. However, he voluntarily joined the crew over winter break and can be found working extra hours when he has time off from school or his other job. The internship has allowed Mike to build on many of the technical skills he had previously picked up while helping his grandfather work on maintenance projects. When asked if any experiences stood out from the internship, Mike quickly referenced the camaraderie and mentorship extended to him as a part of the street department.
Mike noted that the inclusivity extended by the crew helped him confirm his interest in working full-time in an active work environment. He also expressed that the opportunity to gain experience and confidence operating machinery was a valuable part of his internship, as he plans to become a lineman.
Following graduation, Mike plans to enroll in Manhattan Area Technical College’s (MATC) Electric Power and Distribution program. This program focuses on teaching the skills needed to install and maintain electrical systems. Upon completion of the program, he will be prepared to pursue related roles nearly anywhere. Mike has already earned his DOT certificate and will also begin taking a CDL course this spring.
