The Workforce Investment Act Internship program began in October, 2010. The purpose of the program is to assist youth (ages 18 – 21) in discovering a career path. Youth are assessed using the Test of Adult Basic Education and a career assessment. Once a basic education level and the general career path of the youth are determined, the youth begin working toward a NCRC (National Career Readiness Certificate). The NCRC is a nationally recognized credential that conveys the skill level of employees to employers depending upon the score attained. The youth are then matched with an employer in their chosen career sector. The youth will work as an intern for 12 weeks up to 40 hours per week.

Youth may enter the internship in one of the six high demand sector strategies researched and recommended by the Workforce Investment Board; the governing body for all Workforce Investment Act activity. The six sectors deemed high demand for the Northern Kentucky area are;  Health, Logistics/Transportation, Energy, Services, Advanced Manufacturing and IT. It is the intent of the Workforce Investment Board to train Northern Kentucky residents for careers in high demand sectors to ensure job placement in the area thus retaining our skilled labor force.

Since inception, thirty one youth have been determined eligible, twenty six have received their National Career Readiness Certificate (84%); six have received gold and twenty have received silver. Twenty six youth have been employed (84%); gaining skills that will assist them in finding permanent employment or discovering the need to continue their education. All twenty six youth are continuing their education in various post secondary institutions. Three youth are in the process of taking the NCRC.

The Internship program has shown immediate positive results. The Department of Labor will be featuring the program as a “Best Practice” in the upcoming Targeted Populations Forum in Atlanta on October 13, 2011.

For additional information about the WIA Internship program, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it at 859-283-1885.