The County of Wetaskiwin is a proud supporter of the Municipal Internship Program.  During the first installment of the program, the County hosted Margaret Sjostrom in 1988/1989 and subsequently employed her as Assistant County Treasurer until April 2002.  The County also employed two former interns, one being Lyle Wack who interned in 1980/1981 and who served as the Assistant County Secretary from 1985 to 1991.  Frank Coutney interned at the Town of Barrhead in 1981/1982 and was hired by the County of Wetaskiwin as Financial Controller in May 1983.  Frank eventually transitioned into the position of Assistant County Treasurer and in 1990 became the County's CAO, a position he still holds today.

After the 1980s, the Municipal Internship Program went on a temporary hiatus and did not return until 2002.  Over the past 4 years, the County has hosted 5 interns.  Below are a few quotes on each former intern's experience with the County of Wetaskiwin. Please feel free to contact any of the interns if you have any questions regarding their time at the County.  Their contact information is provided and they are more than happy to help.

Kristen Tuff - Administration Intern- 2009/2010

Current Position:  Administration Intern, County of Wetaskiwin
Contact Information: 
   Phone: (780) 352-3321
   E-mail: ktuff@county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca

What she enjoys about doing her internship at the County of Wetaskiwin:

"My favourite part about doing my internship at the County of Wetaskiwin has definitely been my experience in working with the staff.  Everyone is extremely generous with their knowledge and are always excited to get me involved in any project that I show interest in.  Managers show confidence in me and are constantly open to letting me take key roles in important projects.  I feel free to be creative and am constantly learning new things both about local government management and about myself."

Shelley Der-2nd Year Planning Intern-2009/2010  

Current Position: 2nd Year Planning Intern, County of Wetaskiwin
Contact Information:
   Phone: (780) 352-3321
   E-mail: sder@county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca

What she enjoys about doing her internship at the County:

"My internship with the County of Wetaskiwin has been a fantastic experience.  I’ve had great mentors and co-workers that have helped to provide me with valuable knowledge in planning and development.  The variety of work offered to me has also helped my confidence since I have had many opportunties to take the lead role in many projects. Through my experience in the internship, I will have the applied knowledge and skills that I will need to succeed in my career in municipal government."

Alan Greene-Administration Intern-2008/2009 

Current Position: Executive Director, Wetaskiwin and District Chamber of Commerce
Contact Information:
   Phone: (780) 352-8003
   E-mail: executivedirector@wetaskiwinchamber.ca

What he enjoyed most about doing his internship at the County of Wetaskiwin:

"My time with the County of Wetaskiwin was incredible. From the leadership down they have an amazing team that makes you feel welcome. Frank, Rod, and all of the directors are very knowledgeable and they do their best to ensure you get the most out of your experience. If they feel there is a conference, meeting, event, or activity that would be beneficial to you, they try their best to bring you along. The Staff at the County are a close group with a corporate culture that is second to none."

Adam Tittemore-Administration Intern-2007/2008

Current Position: Research Officer, County of Wetaskiwin
Contact Information:
   Phone: (780) 352-3321
   E-mail: atittemore@county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca  

What he enjoyed about doing his internship at the County of Wetaskiwin:

"The County of Wetaskiwin was the ideal place to complete my year in the Municipal Internship Program.  Staff and residents alike are dedicated to the municipality in such a way that a great learning experience is guaranteed."

 

Cam Mills-Administration Intern-2006/2007  

Current Position: Student, MBA in Finance, University of Calgary
Contact Information:
   Phone: (403) 863-0356
   E-mail: cnmills@gmail.com
  
What he enjoyed about doing his internship at the County of Wetaskiwin:

"During my initial internship at the County of Wetaskiwin I was exposed to the full spectrum of the County’s operations. I had the opportunity to work closely with managers in every field: Administration, Finance, Economic Development, etc. The County understood that my internship needed to be about more than just watching things happen; they knew that I needed to have the chance to contribute to the organization. I was given the opportunity to take on key roles in some very important projects. My most memorable project was working on securing grant funding from the Provincial and Federal levels of government. With the help of staff from several departments, I put together proposals that resulted in the County obtaining millions of dollars in funding for important infrastructure projects spanning several years.  I was given real responsibility and hands on experience, and because of that I learned what it takes to succeed in municipal government and as a manager."