WENATCHEE, WA - Internships are a great way to attract new talent to the industry, and Stemilt has implemented its own program to do so. The supplier first announced its Project SEARCH program in August 2022, and now, the interns have completed their first periods of service. A total of seven interns participated in this first of three three-month-long internships. In partnership with Link Transit, Stemilt held a Project SEARCH Open House on January 19 to discuss the experience.
“It has been extremely rewarding to have the Project SEARCH interns as a part of our Stemilt team,” said Zach Williams, Stemilt Director of People Experience. “Not only do the interns get to learn the needed transferable skills to join the workforce after high school, but the Stemilt team members that are mentoring these interns are also benefiting from the great attitude and personalities they bring to the job. It really enhances the environment they are in and adds to our culture.”
Project SEARCH aims to secure competitive employment for people with disabilities, maintaining an active, ongoing program of technical assistance, program evaluation and development, and continuous improvement. The program helps young people with disabilities gain real-life work experiences combined with training and independent living, a press release explained.
The program doesn’t just stop at the workplace—it also provides training for independent living skills. Link Transit has partnered with Stemilt to help interns navigate bus routes taking them on scavenger hunt-like field trips to grocery stores, restaurants, and apartments in the community.
“Since the interns completed their first internship at Stemilt, their confidence has grown incredibly, and you can tell just by listening to them speak about themselves and their work processes,” said Eastmont Transition Coordinator at Link Transit, Michelle Sadewasser. “They’re having lunch with fellow Stemilters and their supervisors, participating in desk decorating competitions, and celebrating holidays together in Stemilt offices and facilities.”
The interns practiced skills in communication, time management, following instruction, self-advocating, and conducting themselves in a professional manner. They began their second internship in December and will continue through early spring in Stemilt’s retail, production, finance, reception/HR, and battery departments.
We can’t wait to hear what more successes come out of this impactful program.
