San Bernardino County, CA – The world’s largest designer and manufacturer of animatronics and specialty items for theme parks, Garner Holt Productions, Inc. (GHP), based in Redlands, is now partnering with San Bernardino County’s Workforce Development Department (WDB) to provide internships to high school students. This initiative is part of GHP’s Education through Imagination, a recently launched educational division that uses hands-on applied learning at the K-12 school level to introduce youth to career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math and further enhance their learning options.
“When I heard that we had this opportunity to impact high school students, we jumped at the chance to make a difference,” said Ryan Rainbolt, GHP’s Director of Educational Programs.
The WDB is partnering with school districts, colleges, and business leaders to develop, expand, and support career pathway programs that provide students exposure to career opportunities they never imagined possible, and receive hands-on training and certification they can use to obtain employment. Students receive college credit for the internship as part of a Community College Work Experience course. Career pathways are a pillar of WDB’s GenerationGo!, a work-based learning initiative designed to ensure that youth throughout the county are ready to enter the workforce with the skills needed to compete today and in the future.
GHP initially took on seven interns for a 120-hour program. During their time with the company, every intern was given an introduction to each of the company’s departments to find tasks that suited individual interests. Then the students were asked to design activities that could ultimately be taught to elementary school kids, including writing the lesson plans.
“The students don’t know what this world has available to them. We can help broaden their perspective by giving them new ideas for what they can do,” Rainbolt added. “We can inspire these kids and connect them with a career path because we do a little bit of everything here. GHP’s motivation is to help them determine a career path by having them meet the diversely talented team who designs and builds everything we do.”
“We have the finest local businesses who lead through action. When we ask for their support, they are willing to give. Garner Holt and his team demonstrate how valuable the collaboration of our education, government and business community is in helping our young people gain an upper hand,” said Tony Myrell, WDB chair.
Rainbolt continued, “Given the sophistication of what is being done at GHP, even if none of the students choose animatronics or aspects of themed entertainment as a career path they’re going to be a better employee for someone else.”
WDB is currently seeking businesses that are willing to provide work-based learning experiences as part of a high school curriculum. Targeted industries include utilities/energy, logistics/transportation, digital media, construction/engineering, automotive, manufacturing, and culinary arts, among other.
About the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board
The San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board (WDB) is comprised of private business representatives and public partners appointed by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors. The WDB strives to strengthen the skills of the county’s workforce through partnerships with business, education and community-based organizations.
The Workforce Development Board, through the San Bernardino County Economic Development Agency and Workforce Development Department, offers a variety of programs designed to help youth and adults identify career pathways and get the appropriate training and skills.
Employers and job seekers who are interested in the Workforce Development Board programs may call: (800) 451-JOBS or visit www.sbcounty.gov/workforce.
