•  Provides employers with pre-screened interns whose training and experience match required employment skills.

•  Assists employers in selecting employees for full time positions from a reliable, responsible, well-trained pool of candidates.

The Occupational Internship program at Mt. San Jacinto College provides employers with technologically advanced students to serve as interns on the job. Student interns assume the duties of a part-time employee and are expected to have the basic technological training needed to fulfill the requirements of the position for which they are interning. Most students spend 10 - 15 hrs. per week for 12 - 15 weeks on the job while they are completing their second year at Mt. San Jacinto College. Students earn college credits for serving as interns and these credits apply toward their certificate or degree.

A mutual agreement is developed outlining the duties and responsibilities of the intern. Both parties sign a contract, and the college coordinator approves college credit. The contract specifies a beginning and ending employment date and the beginning rate of pay, if the intern is to be paid. Companies assign students to a supervisor or mentor who oversees the intern's work and offers technical assistance throughout the internship. Participating companies agree to provide students with tasks and duties that reinforce their technical training and provide them with a positive learning experience. The program is designed to provide employers with experienced interns as potential candidates for full time positions when those students complete their college course of study.