Flowers Completes Three Rivers Paid Intern Program

The third year of the AccelerateMs/Three Rivers EPIC WEX paid internship program is in full swing, providing a valuable opportunity for Grenada High School seniors. Currently, the program is exclusively available to seniors, who begin their journey by completing a survey to express their career interests and future aspirations. In order to qualify for the internship, students must meet certain criteria, such as maintaining good attendance, avoiding disciplinary referrals, refraining from holding another job, and participating in a one-on-one session with a Career Coach. Additionally, students must fulfill specific requirements set by the Host Worksite Agency.

Last year, the internship program was met with great success, earning popularity both among students and within the local industry. With the program continuing to grow, this year the focus has shifted toward workforce development in key sectors such as Advanced Manufacturing, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and Healthcare. These fields are thriving and offer students opportunities for long-term career growth.

As the new year began, the program welcomed new opportunities for students to engage with leading industries. In January, Milwaukee Tool opened its doors to a group of 18-year-old student interns, providing hands-on experience in the manufacturing and STEM sectors. Among these students was Bryson Flowers, a senior at Grenada High School, who made history as the first paid intern in the Advanced Manufacturing and STEM career sector at Milwaukee Tool.

Bryson Flowers’ experience as a paid intern at Milwaukee Tool has been transformative. After completing his internship, Bryson was awarded a full scholarship to Base Camp Coding Academy, where he plans to pursue a career in coding, program engineering, or software design. Reflecting on his time at Milwaukee Tool, Bryson shared his thoughts on the experience. “I think I entered it with the idea of knowing what Advanced Manufacturing was, but I now know that there is so much more to it. It’s not just about reading schematics. Milwaukee has engineers on every level. Everyone, and I do mean everyone was willing to show me different aspects of the business.”

It was this  exposure to engineers at every level of the organization that made the biggest impression on his experience.  He was able to gain a comprehensive understanding of the industry and learn from professionals who were eager to share their knowledge and experiences. Bryson also emphasized the personal investment made by his worksite supervisors and plant managers. The team at Milwaukee Tool went above and beyond to mentor him, showing him different aspects of the business.            Bryson’s journey is a testament to the invaluable opportunities the AccelerateMs/Three Rivers EPIC WEX paid internship program provides. The program not only equips students with the technical skills needed for high-demand industries, but it also fosters strong relationships between students and professionals, helping to bridge the gap between education and the workforce.

For Bryson, the internship has been a crucial stepping stone toward his future career. He is grateful for the experiences he gained at Milwaukee Tool and is excited to continue his education at Base Camp Coding Academy. With the program’s focus on sectors like Advanced Manufacturing, STEM, and Healthcare, the internship has become a powerful tool for shaping the next generation of skilled professionals and empowering them to pursue careers in these rapidly growing fields.

As the AccelerateMs/Three Rivers EPIC WEX paid internship program continues to grow, it is clear that the initiative is making a lasting impact on students, employers, and the community alike. With each passing year, the program is helping more students like Bryson Flowers unlock their potential and take the next steps toward successful careers.