Hannah Ferguson, High School Intern
Marine Maintenance Trades
Hannah first heard about the summer internship program when a close friend of her mother encouraged her to apply. She submitted her application through the Seattle Youth Internship Program (SYEP), an initiative from the City of Seattle aimed at meeting the employment needs of underserved youth and young adults in Seattle.
As her first job, Hannah learned valuable careers skills. “I learned important things like coming to work on time, socializing with coworkers, and keeping a positive attitude,” Hannah said. “I also gained a new respect for people in trades. It’s hard work. You hear it’s hard work, but you don’t realize it until you experience it first-hand. The people I’ve met here are honest and hardworking, and the workplace itself has an amazing sense of community. That, plus the exciting experience of learning about different heavy machinery made it a fun internship.”
In conjunction with her internship, Hannah also participated in the C-WEST program. Short for Career Workplace Exploration Skilled Trades, C-WEST is a program designed for students interested in trades such as plumbing, carpentry, landscaping, or general labor work. The program, which partnered with SYEP and Seattle Public Schools, offers classes for high school students to learn more about trades and important safety procedures.
Outside of work, Hannah takes interest in theatre, arts, and crafts. “I draw and paint, find fun in acting and singing – even if I’m not great at it – and I like wood burning and carving whenever I have the materials for it. I also participate in the school’s band, which takes up a lot of my time outside of school.”
After the internship, Hannah will focus on finishing school. “I want to go to college, but first I need to get enough money and scholarships to even begin dreaming about it.” She will begin her junior year at Chief Sealth International High School in the fall.
