Internship Coordinator: Ms. Tisha Forfia
Phone Number: 799-7870, Extension 4302
Email: tlforfia@interact.ccsd.net

Advanced Technologies Academy
2501 Vegas Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89106

What is an Internship?

The Internship Program provides an opportunity for our students to take the knowledge and skills they have acquired while in their program area classes and apply them in the professional world. The internship takes place at a business, non-profit organization, or government agency and allows students not only to observe and experience real-world business and industry functions, but also to actively participate.

Goals and Objectives for Business:

The goal of a student internship experience is to allow students to experience the world of work. It enables businesses to provide input to the education system through students and school Internship Coordinator. Internships invite businesses to continue to work collaboratively with the schools. By allowing a student to shadow an employee in the work environment, employers will have a first hand opportunity to train and demonstrate the skills students have either learned or discussed in the classroom. The employee acts as a mentor to the student.

Program Areas of Study

Law-Related Careers – Students in this program focus on civil and criminal law with practical training in the skills necessary for pursuing a career as an attorney and/or paralegal. Students utilize hardcopy and online resources including Lexis Nexis and the national reporter system. Specialized equipment is provided to aid students in analyzing crime scenes.

Information Technology – Courses in this program provide students with the most diverse technological background of any computer area. Training in microcomputer operating systems, business applications, accounting, programming, system design and management are emphasized. Students are prepared for Microsoft Offi ce Specialist Certifi cation, Master Certifi cation Exam, and A+ Certifi cation.

Networking Technology – In Networking Technology, students develop the skills necessary to support microcomputers with various platforms and to administer network systems. Students are taught the fundamentals of Local Area Network design and the responsibilities of a system administrator. Students prepare for the Novell CNA, Microsoft MCSA, Cisco CCNA, and A+ certifi cation.

Business and Finance – Students are prepared with the principles and operations of business and fi nance found in today’s technologically advanced global economy. The curriculum includes marketing, entrepreneurship, fi nancial service training, and accounting. Classes are enhanced by multimedia presentations, business simulations, internet research, electronic mail, time management and the preparation of a professional business plan.

Computer Graphic Design – Students focus on the professional areas of graphic design, computer art, and video. Students develop skills in the areas of drawing, digital and visual communications, design critiquing, portfolio development and presentations. Projects, design competitions and internships allow students to apply their skills at a professional level.

Computer Assisted Drafting and Design – Students in CADD develop industry drawing standards in two and three-dimensional drawing techniques, rendering, and animation to prepare for fields of architecture and engineering. Students test their skills through participation in local and national design contests and in preparing for Autodesk certifi cation.

Computer Science – Courses in this program focus not only on the power of computer programming, but also on related techniques, such as animation, morphing, creating and maintaining web sites, presentations, and virtual reality.

Engineering Technology- Students in Engineering develop knowledge of engineering principles, technological and engineering problem solving skills and decision making methods. The fi elds of civil, electrical, mechanical, and robotic engineering are studied through hands-on learning labs, interactive engineering software, and two courses through the University of Nevada Las Vegas.

Guidelines for Employers

Perform normal work activities. Be willing to describe the skills necessary for those activities. Be willing to talk to the student about your occupation and/or industry and its significance in the organization. Allow the students to observe and/or participate in projects, meetings and other work processes that may help the student understand the scope or complexity of the job.

School-To-Work

To help smooth the transition from school-to-work and improve long-term employment opportunities, Congress recently passed the School-to-Work Opportunities Act (1994). Emphasizing the integration of classroom instruction with work-based learning, the legislation encourages states and localities to develop improved systems of education, work, and connecting activities. The act provides states with funds for designing school-to-work systems to better prepare all students for their education and future careers. More importantly, the legislation envisions long-term programs that weave classroom instruction and work experience into activities that advance learning and the practical application of knowledge and skills.

U.S. Department of Labor

Child Labor Requirements Under the Fair Labor Standards Act If all six of the following criteria apply, students (including individuals participating in school-to-work programs, internships, transition, vocational education, work experience etc.) are not employees with the meaning of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

1. The training, even though it includes actual operation of the facilities of the employer, is similar to that which would be given in a vocational school (a curriculum is followed, the students are under continued and direct supervision by either representatives of the school or by employees of the business).

2. The training is for the benefit of the trainees or students, such placements are not made to meet the labor demands of the business.

3. The trainees or students do not displace regular employees, vacant positions which have not been filled, employees who have not been relieved of assigned duties, and the students are not performing services that, although not ordinarily performed by employees, clearly are of benefit to the business.

4. The employer that provided the training derives no advantage from the activities of the trainees or students, and on occasion his or her operations may actually be impeded.

5. The trainees or students are not necessarily entitled to a job at the conclusion of the training period.

6. The employer and the trainees or students understand that the trainees or students are not entitles to wages for the time spent in training.