Peoria Mayor, Jim Ardis, is challenging area local businesses to create high school internships as part of an initiative by the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council (EDC).
The Mayor issued his challenge at a news conference held at City Hall along with representatives from the Peoria business community, including Ken Pflederer, President, and Lara Aaron, Vice President, of CSE Software™ Inc.
Ardis says the goal is to have 50 students working through the internship program by the end of the year and another 75 in 2017. Aaron is already planning a 4-week program for interns at CSE Software. “Today’s kids are tech-savvy, we want to show them that there are jobs with skills they already have. We want to connect in our community because this is our potential future work force.”
Mayor Ardis believes that students who can get job training, an understanding of the work environment, and “a foot in the door,” may be able to find a career. Local business leaders hope to inspire area talent to stay local.
View a clip from the announcement at City Hall.
Area companies that are interested in participating in the internship program should contact Brent Barker, Peoria Pathways Coordinator at EDC, 309.495.5972.
