With a wealth of knowledge to share, the District of Sicamous will mentor a future political employee after a successful bid on the Local Government Management Association (LGMA) Internship Program.
The district was chosen to be a host community to train an intern in all areas of local government for one year, with financial support from the LGMA. It will contribute $42,000 towards the intern’s pay and $5,000 for professional development, while Sicamous will cover $15,000 in wages and another $5,000 for that Pro-D.
Chief financial officer Bianca Colonna said that as it’s a one year program, it could be funded through the operating reserve, but if council wanted to pursue it on an ongoing basis, they could incorporate it into the budget.
In a report at the Wednesday, Nov. 27 council meeting, chief administrative officer Darrell Garceau said the district has “strong organizational support” to host an intern, and a number of ongoing projects that will provide great educational and professional experience.
“We feel as a district that we are the perfect host community. We have the staff expertise to undertake to educate, train and mentor this intern, so we’ve made application for the program,” he said, adding that in return, the intern could "help us out by providing a "fresh set of eyes on the operation, some insight and also to give added benefit to each of the departments.”
Council was enthusiastic about the program, agreeing it will be a benefit to the district and good bang for their buck.
“Yeah, I love this program, and what a deal for Sicamous to be able to get someone who is talented and excited and into our community and willing to work and learn at that great price point,” Coun. Siobhan Rich said, before teasing Garceau that “this may be someone that ends up staying here, he could be taking your job.”
Council endorsed the application unanimously and on Thursday, Nov. 28 got confirmation that the district had been chosen as an intern host community. Interviews for the position will take place in February, followed by the intern’s employment in March.
