TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF NOVEMBER 5, 2015
COMMITTEE ON PENSION, HUMAN RESOURCES AND CIVIL SERVICES
Mr. David St. Pierre, Executive Director
Title
Authority to amend the Internship Program to designate up to two positions for students from Denmark
Body
Dear Sir:
Authority is requested to amend the Internship Program to designate two unpaid internship positions for students from Aarhus, Denmark in 2016.
On October 16, 2014, the Board authorized staff to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Aarhus Vand A/S of Denmark (Aarhus Vand) for engaging in a knowledge exchange program. The District has been approached by students from the Aarhus School of Marine and Technical Engineering who would like to serve an unpaid internship at the District.
The Aarhus School of Marine and Technical Engineering of Denmark, has a Marine and Technical Engineering program. The course of study includes a Bachelor Semester consisting of an undergraduate traineeship and a Bachelor Project carried out with a public or private company. Students participating in the program are responsible for obtaining the necessary visas. The students are also responsible for securing grants and loans in Denmark to cover the cost of the program.
The District’s Internship Program was established in 2013 to provide meaningful education and training experiences for students interested in wastewater management. The program also allows the District to gain exposure and help build and maintain a positive public image. Designating two positions for Danish students would support the goal of the knowledge exchange program to share knowledge, exchange experiences, and engage in thoughtful discourse about the water sector and the wastewater treatment area for the mutual benefit of each entity.
The District’s internship program includes paid and unpaid positions. Unpaid interns work an unlimited number of days per calendar year; they do not receive wages, benefits or paid time off. The Human Resources Department manages all activities related to the recruitment, selection and administration of the program. Upon Board approval, the Human Resources Department would reach out to Aarhus students to arrange the terms of the internships.
Requested, Denice E. Korcal, Director of Human Resources
Respectfully Submitted, Barbara McGowan, Chairman Committee on Pension, Human Resources and Civil Services
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for November 5, 2015