If you want to become a municipal intern in Alberta, a government program may help employ you.
The Alberta government is expanding its Municipal Internship Program to help new graduates build careers in local government. Furthermore, the opportunity offers hands-on experience in municipal administration, finance, and land-use planning.
The Municipal District of Wainwright and County of St. Paul are among the municipalities welcoming interns this year. Meanwhile, these communities, along with others, will provide opportunities for young professionals to gain skills and make an impact.
“By investing in young professionals, the Municipal Internship Program is not only enhancing career opportunities for graduates but also helping municipalities adapt and thrive in a fast-evolving world,” said Ric McIver, minister of municipal affairs.
How it works:
The initiative offers an 18-month paid internship with mentorship and professional development. Meanwhile, interns will gain experience in key areas of municipal governance. They will also support their host municipalities during the 2025 general election, learning firsthand about the democratic process.
Nicklas Baran, a former planning intern and now-planner at Lacombe County, praised the initiative.
“Being a planning intern was a critical step for my development as a young planner. The program ensures interns build a jam-packed résumé full of experience in a short timeframe,” he said.
Municipalities benefit from fresh ideas, innovative problem-solving, and technical expertise from new graduates. Additionally, they also receive funding to help cover salary costs during the internship.
“The Municipal Internship Program has been an invaluable asset to Lacombe County, allowing us to mentor and develop future municipal leaders,” said Dale Freitag, director of planning services at Lacombe County. “We’ve benefited greatly, with several interns successfully transitioning into full-time roles on our planning team.”
Applications for the 2025 Municipal Internship Program close on Feb. 18 at noon. The program, now in its 24th year, will soon welcome its 394th intern. It remains the longest-running program of its kind in Canada.
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