Typically, we speak with clients about their businesses, and what makes them tick, and hopefully inspire more entrepreneurs to take the next step. This month we are launching a new Small Business Internship Spotlight, where we highlight not only the business taking the initiative to engage our youth workforce but also hear from our youth themselves about their experiences and share their feedback.

CEDC: Today we are very excited to launch this new series and begin by speaking with Sharon Kopp, Property Manager and Recruiter at Pak Solutions and Katy Leonard, Human Resources in Lancaster, New Hampshire. We will also be hearing from Jeziah Hackett, Caden Simonds, Gracie Ingerson, and Kayla Miller from White Mountain Regional High School who are currently in Pak Solutions’ workforce. Sharon, tell us about Pak Solutions and the company’s efforts to engage our youth workforce.

Sharon: Currently our efforts at schools include job fairs and posting open positions. We strive to make them feel like they are part of a team, be flexible with their school/sport schedules, and promote educational advancement opportunities. We also provide guidance in subjects they are passionate in and are willing to assist financially with college while working with us.

CEDC: How many students are here typically? What are their roles?

Sharon: On average we have 4-6 students a year. Typically, they are working with machinery, printing, product lifts, building maintenance, and quality control.

Katy: We are working to change the image and stigma of manufacturing. We are working to diversify their mindset by showing the energy we have here and create an environment of learning and adapting.

CEDC: What do you think the company gets out of it and what do you think the students get out of it?

Sharon: We strive to build loyal by recognizing their interests and investing in them. Knowing the employee and advocating for them is especially important when they might be more on the timid or quiet side at this age. Taking this approach, it is so rewarding when you get to see their confidence boosted.

Katy: In return they learn how to build relationships, teamwork with peers, learn new skillsets, and can track their own growth.

CEDC: Putting the time and effort in to develop our youth is such an important priority if we want to support the future of our communities. Now tell me about all of your experiences working here. Do you have any particular career goals yet?

Jeziah: I’m a senior and heading to the Army. I am in converting. This is where after the rolls leave the print shop they make their way to the converting line where I assist with the conversion of the rolls into bags, counting, packaging, and making sure the quality meets all standards.

Caden: Im a senior and I plan on staying on here after graduation. I started here when I was 16. I primarily work as a material handler and ensure tenders have what they need.

Kayla: I’m a senior and I work with the food grade bags on the wicketer and pouch machines. PAK has encouraged me to continue my education in graphic design and is willing to assist me financially while I go to school. My plan is to be able to work in the print shop once I graduate.

Gracie: I’m also a senior and I report to the project manager for GMP duties, Good Manufacturing Practices. I pretty much work independently going to the different Pak properties. I follow strict guidelines for all projects that need to be completed.

CEDC: What advice can you offer to other students looking for experience? Or businesses looking for students?

Jeziah: Businesses need to get involved with schools early on. Students need to take better advantage of job fairs. Students also need to be willing to build a work ethic and not expect that a career is just going to be dropped into their lap at graduation.

Caden: Businesses need to have flexibility and try to make it feel like more than a shift. Open Houses are great opportunities for students to be able come in and really see what the environment is like, so they feel more comfortable applying. That’s what I did.

Kayla: If possible, creating a peer-to-peer environment at job fairs will make students more comfortable with approaching the business.

Gracie: Short-term opportunities could also be helpful for someone back from school for the summer or semester, but it needs to be career developing and not just pushing a mop or papers.

CEDC: This has been amazing with the 5 of you! I hope it inspires other businesses to engage and students to get out there and take advantage of these opportunities. We look forward to hearing about your successful careers in the future! Thank you again Sharon for letting us come see how Pak Solutions does it.

Sharon: It’s been a pleasure to participate in this Q&A. We are a growing company and still have several openings to fill as well.

CEDC: Thanks again for your time today everyone!

If you are a student looking for a great place to intern or are a business looking for product packaging look to Pak Solutions. To learn more, visit https://paksolutionsusa.com or call 603-788-4784.

If you would like to have your business featured in our Small Business Spotlight or

Internship Spotlight, email us at execdirector@coosedc.org.