Workforce Tulsa Internship Program Helps Recent Graduates Find Jobs

Workforce Tulsa has an internship program that pays for people’s tuition and pays employers for their clients to also work at the job.

As employment has risen during the pandemic, Workforce Tulsa believes their internship program helps graduates have better chance of finding a job.

“With the pandemic on top of that, it makes it even harder to find a job,” Rachel Hutchings, the Executive Director said.

According to the U.S Labor Department, in the Spring of 2020, unemployment for 20- to 24-year-olds was above 20%.

Hutchings said their internship program gives graduates a fighting chance, paying for their tuition and even wages.

23-year-old Taylor Austin graduated from Northeastern State University and is in the internship program while taking her online grant writing class at Tulsa Community College. She hopes to one day work for a non-profit.

"I learned somethings in College, but it really didn't prepare me to go out during a pandemic and find a job,” Austin said.

Austin said she'll soon apply to work at a non-profit for on-the-job training, funded by Workforce Tulsa. She said it gives her a bit of confidence knowing she's got some help along the way.

Hutchings said even if their clients don't get hired by the employer after six months, work experience can still be beneficial.

Austin believes graduates shouldn't be on their own.

“I think it's a tough time, definitely use your resources around you,” Austin said.

To see if you qualify for Workforce Tulsa's internship program, click here.