Allows Students to Gain Hands-On Experience and Launch their Careers with this Unique Program
Wichita, KS – Foley Equipment and WSU Tech are proud to announce the launch of the Foley Internship Program, a unique one-year certificate program designed to provide students with valuable classroom instruction and hands-on learning opportunities at Foley Equipment locations.
“We are thrilled to partner with Foley Equipment to launch the Foley Internship Program, a program that will provide students with the experience and skills they need to become successful technicians,” said Dr. Sheree Utash, President of WSU Tech, “This partnership exemplifies WSU Tech’s commitment to offering high-quality, industry-aligned programs.”
The Foley Internship Program offers students the opportunity to earn a technical certificate from WSU Tech in approximately 12 months and combines weekly classroom instruction and paid hands-on learning. Participants attend classes at WSU Tech’s City Center campus in Wichita, KS for two days, Monday and Tuesday, and work at their local Foley location for three days a week, Wednesday – Friday.
“We are thrilled to partner with WSU Tech to find and develop the next generation of technicians,” said Ann Konecny, CEO of Foley Equipment. “Workforce development for Foley and our state is crucial in this time of incredible technological change, and the Foley Internship Program is another great avenue for that.”
The program is open to anyone interested in a heavy machinery career, regardless of their location. Foley Equipment will reimburse individuals who live outside of the Wichita and Park City areas for travel expenses to and from their classes. This could include mileage, lodging for 1 night per week, and meals. Additionally, Foley will provide a stocked toolbox worth approximately $14,000 for interns to use and eventually own, provided they work at Foley for 2 years following their program completion.
Active interns in the Foley Internship Program are eligible for, health insurance benefits, 401(k) match, and workboot reimbursement. Upon successful completion of the program, students may also be offered a full-time technician position at one of Foley Equipment’s locations, making them eligible for additional benefits with the company.
The Foley Internship Program has already launched a pilot program with five students who began in January 2023.
“I retired from the Army and was not sure what to do next and I felt out of place until I was accepted into the Foley Internship Program with WSU Tech,” said Leonardo Abad, a current student in the pilot program. “This program has given me a second chance and a new career path. I find it to be the best of both worlds when it comes to learnings and gaining experience. I love this program and recommend it to anyone who wants a jump start on a career!”
Eli Rios-Vega, another student in the first offering of the Foley Internship also added, “I am very excited to be a part of the Foley Internship Program. This program has shown me how to develop real-world experience while being able to apply my classroom knowledge. I am grateful to Foley and WSU Tech for this program for allowing me to earn my associate degree while also earning and learning at Foley Equipment.”
Applications are now open for the fall semester. Individuals who are interested in the Foley Internship Program can apply by completing the application online. For more information about the program visit www.WSUTECH.edu/FoleyInternship.
