Student Internships

Student assistants support production operations with a strong focus on maintaining and inspecting needle boards to ensure consistent fabric quality and machine performance. Responsibilities include cleaning, repairing, and preparing needle boards for production runs, assisting operators with machine setup, performing in-process quality checks, and safely operating equipment under supervision. Students work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, follow safety and quality standards, document production information, and support overall efficiency on the production floor.

AJ Nonwovens-Waco, Inc. is a needle-punch nonwovens textile manufacturer in Waco, Texas. We engineer and produce high-performance fabrics used in automotive, filtration, aerospace, medical, construction, and industrial applications. Our materials support products that shape everyday life and advanced technologies. Combining modern manufacturing, process control, and material science, we operate in a fast-paced production environment focused on quality, innovation, and continuous improvement as part of a global organization.

AJ Nonwovens

CTE Program Connections: Engineering; Manufacturing

Student assistants support production operations with a strong focus on maintaining and inspecting needle boards to ensure consistent fabric quality and machine performance. Responsibilities include cleaning, repairing, and preparing needle boards for production runs, assisting operators with machine setup, performing in-process quality checks, and safely operating equipment under supervision. Students work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, follow safety and quality standards, document production information, and support overall efficiency on the production floor.

Allied is a global provider of steel buildings and structures, with major campuses in Spain, Panama, Colombia, Florida, and Texas. The McGregor manufacturing operation features advanced manufacturing and robotics manufacturing.

Allied Steel Buildings

CTE Program Connections: Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources; Manufacturing; Architecture and Construction

This position is in our Food Enterprise division, where we are committed to serving food manufacturers, food service customers, and retailers with a complete range of innovative ingredients and branded products. Our portfolio includes poultry, beef, egg, alternative protein, salt, oils, starches, sweeteners, cocoa, and chocolate.

• Complete site onboarding, safety orientation, and required food trainings before beginning floor activities; demonstrate adherence to PPE, hygiene, and sanitation requirements.
• Shadow QA techs with in process checks (temperature, weights, seals/labels, sanitation monitoring), retain sample handling, and documentation to learn fundamentals of regulatory and customer compliance.
• Shadow production trainers and work alongside EHS to understand safety and compliance, hazard identification, incident prevention, and reporting processes.
• Job shadow across departments to understand material flow, quality checkpoints, and production scheduling. • Under supervision, perform entry-level tasks such as preparation, basic labeling/lot verification, data recording, and staging/organization to support operational efficiency. • Observe how inventory is scanned, tracked, and reconciled to ensure accuracy.
• The process of verifying supplier information, product codes, and lot numbers to maintain traceability and food safety compliance.
• Support a small CI project and present findings and recommendations to the team during the final week.
• Participate in career chats with operations, maintenance, EHS, and FSQR leadership to understand career paths and skills needed to progress -- maintain a brief reflection log.

Cargill is a family company committed to providing food and agricultural solutions to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. We sit at the heart of the supply chain, partnering with producers and customers to source, make, and deliver products that are vital for living. By providing customers with life’s essentials, we enable businesses to grow, communities to prosper, and consumers to live well.

Creating a more food secure world | Cargill

CTE Program Connections: Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources; Manufacturing

Step into the world of industrial fabrication as a Welding Intern at Central Texas Iron Works. In this hands-on role, you will work with structural steel, learn and apply proper welding techniques, and support the fabrication of components used across major industries. Interns will assist skilled welders, follow safety protocols, and contribute to real-world projects while developing technical skills and an understanding of large-scale steel production. This experience provides a strong foundation in welding, craftsmanship, and industrial manufacturing practices.

Central Texas Iron Works (CTIW) is a prominent industrial structural steel fabricator located in Waco, Texas, established in 1910. It is one of North America's largest and most respected steel fabricators, specializing in producing structural steel for various industries, including mining, petrochemical, and power. CTIW employs approximately 20+ people and has the capability of producing up to 4,000 tons per month. The company is known for its quality assurance programs and has a strong reputation in the industry.

Central Texas Iron Works – Your Strategic Partner

CTE Program Connections: Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources; Manufacturing

Spend time with our residents by assisting our Life Enrichment or Memory Care teams with activities. This could include helping facilitate group activities, spending one-on-one time with residents, or assisting during special events.

Communities managed by LCS, like The Delaney at Lake Waco, offer extraordinary benefits and a work-life that’s truly rewarding. Our creative, energetic, and friendly team is passionate about working with seniors and their families. If you share that desire and commitment, our community may be a great fit! From our shared core values and company culture to our mission and sense of camaraderie, you’ll look forward to each day at work.

Senior Living in Waco, TX | The Delaney at Lake Waco

CTE Program Connection: Human Services

The Customer Engagement Associate performs customer service at the Waco Welcome Center, assisting tourists, visitors, and DMO clients. The intern will provide information about Waco's attractions and sell merchandise from the gift shop to enhance visitor experience.

The Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), formerly the Convention and Visitors Bureau, promotes Waco as an exceptional destination for both leisure and business travel. The DMO leads strategic marketing efforts such as advertising campaigns and trade show participation to grow tourism, increase hotel occupancy, and attract conventions, meetings, and sporting events. It curates and distributes visitor information via its website, social media, printed materials, and the Waco Welcome Center to help guests plan their trips and discover local attractions. The DMO also maintains strong relationships with local hotels, businesses, event venues, and attractions, working with them to enhance the overall visitor experience and support sustainable growth.

Visit Waco, TX – A city to believe in

CTE Program Connection: Hospitality and Tourism

The Destination Marketing and Tourism Specialist coordinates and executes marketing strategies to promote Waco as a premier tourism destination, driving visitor engagement and economic impact through innovative campaigns, content creation, and stakeholder collaboration. The Associate supports the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) by developing promotional materials, managing digital assets, and fostering partnerships with local businesses, hospitality partners, and media outlets. Manages and updates department websites, social media platforms, and digital assets to ensure accurate, engaging, and on-brand content that drives visitor interest.

Visit Waco, TX – A city to believe in

The Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), formerly the Convention and Visitors Bureau, promotes Waco as an exceptional destination for both leisure and business travel. The DMO leads strategic marketing efforts such as advertising campaigns and trade show participation to grow tourism, increase hotel occupancy, and attract conventions, meetings, and sporting events. It curates and distributes visitor information via its website, social media, printed materials, and the Waco Welcome Center to help guests plan their trips and discover local attractions. The DMO also maintains strong relationships with local hotels, businesses, event venues, and attractions, working with them to enhance the overall visitor experience and support sustainable growth.

CTE Program Connection: Hospitality and Tourism

The Destination Travel and Sales Representative Intern supports the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) by cultivating professional relationships to solicit and manage group travel, conventions, meetings, and sporting events in the City of Waco. The intern is responsible for marketing, selling, and coordinating events and services to drive hotel room nights and visitor spending, while collaborating with local businesses and hospitality partners.

The Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), formerly the Convention and Visitors Bureau, promotes Waco as an exceptional destination for both leisure and business travel. The DMO leads strategic marketing efforts such as advertising campaigns and trade show participation to grow tourism, increase hotel occupancy, and attract conventions, meetings, and sporting events. It curates and distributes visitor information via its website, social media, printed materials, and the Waco Welcome Center to help guests plan their trips and discover local attractions. The DMO also maintains strong relationships with local hotels, businesses, event venues, and attractions, working with them to enhance the overall visitor experience and support sustainable growth.

Visit Waco, TX – A city to believe in

CTE Program Connection: Hospitality and Tourism

Student interns at Di’Amore Fine Jewelers will gain hands-on experience in luxury retail, client service, and daily operations. Responsibilities include supporting the sales team, assisting with merchandising and inventory organization, preparing jewelry for display, maintaining showroom presentation, and contributing to client experience initiatives. Interns may also assist with marketing projects, events, and administrative tasks. This role offers exposure to high-end sales environments, teamwork, and professional communication, while developing skills in attention to detail, organization, and customer engagement.

Di’Amore Fine Jewelers is a family-owned luxury jewelry destination in Waco, Texas, specializing in exceptional diamonds, custom design, and heirloom-quality fine jewelry. Known for our elevated client experience and community-driven values, we blend high-end craftsmanship with personalized service to celebrate life’s most meaningful moments. Beyond retail, Di’Amore is deeply committed to mentorship, philanthropy, and developing future leaders. Our team operates with a passion for excellence, innovation, and integrity, making us not just a jewelry store but a place where relationships, legacy, and purpose come together.

Your Trusted Source for Diamond & Gemstone Jewelry in Waco | TX – DiAmore Fine Jewelers

CTE Program Connection: Business, Marketing, and Finance

Emerald Transformer, a leading provider of electrical equipment solutions, recently inaugurated a new transformer facility in Waco, Texas. The facility opened in April 2023 and is set to enhance the company's production capacity and service offerings in the Texas market. The facility will provide services such as transformer refurbishment, decommissioning, recycling, and oil lab testing, contributing to the local economy and supporting the Texas electrical infrastructure.

Emerald Transformer: Home | Transformer Repair & Recycling

CTE Program Connection: Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources; Manufacturing 

The Operations Intern at Fallas Automation supports hands-on activities across assembly, inspection, testing, and shipping/receiving functions. This role assists with assembling automated packaging equipment, performing quality inspections, and supporting testing processes to ensure machines meet performance and safety standards. Interns will also help coordinate incoming and outgoing materials, maintain organized workspaces, and contribute to efficient production flow. Through this experience, the intern will gain practical exposure to manufacturing operations, quality control, and logistics within an industrial automation environment that designs and builds integrated case packing. 

Since 1979, we have produced simple, compact case packers and automation support equipment. Our goal is to provide customers with stress-free automated case packing lines, increasing production and improving your bottom line. Dedication to machine quality and customer service are key reasons we are successful. We've adapted to rapidly changing technologies, expanded our catalog of machinery, and continue to provide fully integrated case packing solutions. Our heritage is constructing machinery to the highest quality standards and providing the greatest value for our customers.

Fallas Automation | Case Packers, Case Erectors & Integrated Packaging Systems

CTE Program Connections: Engineering; Manufacturing

The Human Services/Client Care Intern at Friends for Life supports daily operations by assisting with client interactions, customer service, and facility coordination. This role provides a welcoming and professional experience for clients, families, and visitors while helping maintain organized, safe, and functional spaces. Responsibilities may include answering phones, assisting with program activities, supporting administrative tasks, and helping ensure the facility is prepared to serve seniors and individuals with disabilities effectively. Through this experience, the intern will gain exposure to nonprofit operations, client-centered service, and community-based support programs that promote independence and quality of life.

Friends for Life is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps seniors and people with disabilities live their best lives as independently as possible.

Home Page - Friends For Life

CTE Program Connection: Human Services

The Marketing/Social Media Intern at Friends for Life supports outreach and storytelling efforts that highlight the organization’s impact on seniors and individuals with disabilities. This role assists with social media content creation, marketing campaigns, videography, and podcast production. Responsibilities may include developing posts, capturing and editing photo/video content, supporting interviews or client stories, and helping promote programs and events. Through this experience, the intern will gain hands-on exposure to nonprofit marketing, digital media production, and community engagement.

Friends for Life is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps seniors and people with disabilities live their best lives as independently as possible.

Home Page - Friends For Life

CTE Program Connection: Human Services; Business, Marketing, and Finance

The student intern will be responsible for assisting with administrative and minimal technical aspects related to engineering and administrative projects for specified or various disciplines. Principal Responsibilities:

• Assist with design portions of a project related to engineering systems
• Assist with researching resources for commercially available equipment
• Assist with miscellaneous administrative tasks related to engineering or administrative office tasks
• Assist with documenting design decisions, meetings, and instructions from team members
• Assist with review of all project documents for accuracy and completeness
• Strong interest in engineering consulting
• Proficient in MS Office Suite including but not limited to Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Ability to clearly communicate both orally and written to individuals or groups
• Skilled in the use of modeling software a plus 
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times

As a people-centered, national engineering and design consulting company, we’ve intentionally localized our focus to serve carefully chosen regions and markets, allowing us to put relationships and communities first, without sacrificing expertise.

Engineering Consultants Company - IMEG | Design Engineers

CTE Program Connection: Engineering; Architecture and Construction

Students participating in the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) Entrepreneurship Internship will work alongside mentors to develop, refine, and launch their own business ideas. Students will pitch their business idea and receive funding to start their ventures. Throughout the program, interns will gain hands-on experience in market research, business planning, budgeting, and marketing strategies. By the end of the internship, students will have executed a real-world business concept, building critical skills in innovation, problem-solving, and professional communication.

The McLennan Small Business Development Center offers technical assistance, business mentoring, training, and resources for all stages of small business. Our services & programs help entrepreneurs and communities prosper.

McLennan SBDC

CTE Program Connection: Business, Marketing, and Finance

Student interns assist staff with daily operations by supporting animal care, cleaning and sanitizing kennels, preparing food and water, and helping with enrichment activities. Interns may also assist with organizing supplies, filing records, answering phones, greeting visitors, and supporting adoption or intake processes as needed. This position provides hands-on experience in animal welfare, teamwork, and public service while promoting a safe, clean, and compassionate environment for animals and the community.

Pet Circle Regional Animal Center is a dedicated facility committed to protecting and improving the lives of animals in our community. Serving the greater Waco region, the center provides shelter, medical care, adoption services, and lost-and-found support for pets in need. Pet Circle works to promote responsible pet ownership through education, vaccination programs, and spay/neuter initiatives. With a focus on compassion and community partnership, the center helps connect animals with loving homes while ensuring safe, humane care for every animal that comes through its doors.

Home Pet Circle

CTE Program Connection: Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources

As a Startup Waco intern, you will support programs and daily operations that serve local entrepreneurs. Responsibilities may include assisting with event coordination, helping manage member and attendee data, conducting outreach to students and community partners, and supporting marketing efforts such as social media and content creation. Interns may also help track program outcomes, gather feedback, and assist with research on business resources. This role offers hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, community engagement, and organizational operations while working alongside a dynamic team dedicated to growing Waco’s startup ecosystem.

Startup Waco is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and strengthening the local business ecosystem. Through programs, mentorship, and collaborative workspace, Startup Waco helps individuals turn ideas into viable businesses. From early-stage concept development to scaling growth, the organization provides resources, education, and community connections that drive innovation. As an intern, you’ll gain hands-on experience supporting programs, engaging with founders, and contributing to initiatives that impact real businesses. Startup Waco is where ideas grow, connections thrive, and future leaders are built.

Startup Waco

CTE Program Connection: Business, Marketing, and Finance

High school-aged interns working within Talitha Koum Institute's Nurture Center are tasked with a variety of interactions. Some are done directly with children, such as reading a book, holding a child for comfort, playing alongside them indoors or out, serving lunch or a snack, etc. Teachers need a variety of tasks done by the intern to support both learning and living each day. There are clean-up and sterilizing needs, helping children wash hands, sorting materials at day's end, and even searching for a missing sock is quite useful. No two days are alike, so our interns' flexibility is important, and their patience is paramount.

It is just as important to state what we will not ask you to do. Because our children exhibit trauma-affected behaviors, teachers will always assume the role of mediating a conflict resolution or calming a child in a fight, flight or freeze stress response. Boundaries for both your safety and the children's are carefully set. Joy and sorrow rub up against each day. If you are easily triggered toward fleeing or melting down, we advise you to use your skills in caring for children in a less stressful environment. But if you are able to remain calm and alert during challenging situations, we believe you will find your time among our children a most rewarding experience.

Talitha Koum’s Nurture Center opened in 2003 to provide weekday therapeutic care to children at risk of or exhibiting trauma-affected behaviors, with a goal to send them to kindergarten with a brain developed for self-regulation and strong neural pathways for learning. God has called us to a bold vision—children and families rising from poverty to their highest potential. We work toward that goal every day with love and respect for each child and every parent, as well as our colleagues on staff.

Talitha Koum Institute

CTE Program Connection: Human Services; Education and Training

The Triple Win Summer Internship Program (Audio/Video Production) is a hands-on, real-world training experience designed for students and aspiring creatives who want to build practical skills in media production. Interns will work directly inside an active production environment, gaining exposure to the full lifecycle of audio and video content from concept to final delivery.

Participants will learn the fundamentals of camera operation, lighting setups, audio recording, and live production workflows, while also developing skills in editing, post-production, and content distribution. Interns will assist with podcast recordings, studio shoots, live streams, and on-location productions, working alongside experienced producers and creators. This program emphasizes both the technical side of production and the creative decision-making that drives engaging content.

By the end of the internship, participants will have a working portfolio of audio and video projects, a strong understanding of industry-standard tools and workflows, and real experience collaborating in a fast-paced media environment. This is an ideal opportunity for anyone looking to break into sports media, digital content creation, or broadcast production.

Triple Win is a community-centered makerspace designed to support students, entrepreneurs, and the broader community through shared access to tools, space, and education. Our facility includes fully equipped shops for woodworking, metal fabrication, screen printing, graphics and textiles, lasers, ceramics, and 3D printing—providing the resources needed to design, build, and create across disciplines. Beyond the tools themselves, Triple Win is built around collaboration and real-world learning. Through classes, camps, tenant businesses, and hands-on projects, the space functions as an ecosystem where education, entrepreneurship, and community engagement strengthen one another.

Triple Win Waco

CTE Program Connection: Arts, Audio Visual Technology, and Communications

The Triple Win Summer Internship Program (Welding & Metal Fabrication) is a hands-on, project-based experience built for students who want to develop real-world skills in metalwork, fabrication, and applied craftsmanship. Interns will work inside an active shop environment, learning how raw materials are transformed into functional, high-value finished products.

Participants will gain experience in core welding techniques, including MIG, TIG, and stick welding, while also learning metal cutting, grinding, measuring, and assembly processes. Interns will be involved in building custom projects such as structural components, functional installations, and fabricated pieces that contribute directly to Triple Win’s facilities and partner projects. A strong emphasis is placed on safety protocols, precision, and quality control, ensuring interns develop both technical ability and professional discipline.

By the end of the internship, participants will have contributed to tangible, real-world projects and leave with a portfolio of work that demonstrates their skills in welding and fabrication. This program is ideal for anyone interested in pursuing careers in the trades, construction, manufacturing, or custom metalwork.

Triple Win is a community-centered makerspace designed to support students, entrepreneurs, and the broader community through shared access to tools, space, and education. Our facility includes fully equipped shops for woodworking, metal fabrication, screen printing, graphics and textiles, lasers, ceramics, and 3D printing—providing the resources needed to design, build, and create across disciplines. Beyond the tools themselves, Triple Win is built around collaboration and real-world learning. Through classes, camps, tenant businesses, and hands-on projects, the space functions as an ecosystem where education, entrepreneurship, and community engagement strengthen one another.

Triple Win Waco

CTE Program Connection: Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources; Architecture and Construction; Manufacturing