Water pollution control chief Brian Gresser says the internship program was created to fight a staggering statistic. In five years, up to 40 percent of his employees and 70 percent of his supervisors could retire with full retirement benefits. Next month he'll interview 14 Akron Public School juniors and seniors for four spots in Akron's sewer and water departments.
Gresser: "We're working with the Akron schools to bring in vocational students to try to grow them hopefully ending up with a 30 year career in the city of Akron."
The School's Apprenticeship director Frank Meyers says students work full-time in the summer and half days during the school year.
Frank Meyer: "I think our career studies are for kids that have the intellect to go to college, but maybe the resources or desire aren't there."
Interns who are hired full time after graduation can make up to $33,000 a year, plus union benefits.
Kymberli Hagelberg, 90.3