How to Get Your Internships Paid

We have GREAT news! The Fergus Falls Chamber is offering a WAGE REIMBURSEMENT for paid student interns in high-demand career areas (listed below). We understand the workforce shortage challenge and are providing creative solutions to fill your talent pipeline.

Businesses that provide a high-quality paid internship in a high-demand growing career area such as healthcare, social services, transportation, trades, manufacturing, education, childcare, public service and general business may apply for up to $500 in wage reimbursement per intern. In addition, the grant may also fund student needs such as transportation assistance.

Careers with a median salary of $37,000 or more with projected growth are considered Careers in Demand and qualify for internship wage reimbursement. Funds will be available until November 2024 or until depleted.

One of the easiest ways to connect with students is to host an internship for a student enrolled in the Work-Based Learning program at Fergus Falls High School. We are hosting a “Speed Networking” event on Monday, March 11 from 12:15-1:30pm.

Funds provided to the Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce are available through a “Future Ready Workforce Grant” from the Greater Twin Cities United Way, the Minnesota Chamber Foundation and the State of Minnesota Dept. of Employment & Economic Development (DEED).

Please contact Lisa Workman, Chamber President, at (218) 736-6951 if you are interested in learning more or if you have questions.
 
Process for Employers:

• Meet students interested in internships at “Speed Networking” March 18
• Employ a student intern in a qualifying career area (see below).
• Interns must be between the ages of 14-22 years old, high school students preferred.
• Interns must be paid a minimum of $12.50/hour.
• Interns should work at least 40 hours at your business during the internship.
• Register your business: http://business.fergusfalls.com/form/view/32088
• Paid internships are reimbursable for up to $15.00/hour.
• Submit wage reimbursement by 1st of each month to the Chamber: http://business.fergusfalls.com/form/view/32094
• A maximum of $500 of student intern wages (per intern) may be reimbursed.
• Checks will be mailed within 30 days of submitting reimbursement.
• Work must be completed by November 29, 2024.

 
Qualifying Internship Career Areas

Healthcare

• Nursing Assistants
• Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocation Nurses
• Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
• Registered Nurses
• Nurse Practitioners
• Physician Assistants
• Pharmacy Technicians
• Medical and Health Services Managers
• Medical Assistants
• Dental Assistants
• Dental Hygienists
• Speech-Language Pathologists

Transportation, Trades & Manufacturing

• Heavy & Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
• Light Truck Drivers
• Bus Drivers
• Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
• Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
• Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
• Automotive Body and Related Repairers
• First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
• General Operations Managers
• Maintenance and Repair Workers (General)
• First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers
• Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders
• First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material-Moving Workers
• Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Tool Operators
• Janitors and Cleaners (Except Maids and Housekeeping)
• Stockers and Order Fillers
• Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers
• Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers
• Construction Laborers
• First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades
• Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
• Machinists
• Carpenters
• Electricians
• Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
• Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Education, Childcare & Public Service

• Childcare Workers
• Preschool Teachers
• Teaching Assistants
• Elementary School Teachers
• Middle School Teachers
• Secondary School Teachers
• Substitute Teachers
• Special Education Teachers
• Child, Family, and School Social Workers
• Social and Community Service Managers
• Social and Human Service Assistants
• Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
• Police and Sheriff Patrol Officers

General Business

• Sales Representatives of Products/Services
• Sales Managers
• Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
• Accountants and Auditors
• Business Operations Specialists
• Human Resources Specialists
• Financial Managers
• Loan Officers
• Software Developers
• Computer User Support Specialists
• First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers

Other High Demand Career Areas -- let us know