More than 100 Baldwin County students took a step toward careers in the utility industry earlier this month, participating in a daylong interview event tied to a growing workforce development initiative.

Rising high school seniors gathered April 24 at Coastal Alabama Community College to interview for the Baldwin County Utilities Internship Program, a five-year-old effort connecting students with hands-on career opportunities. Interviews ran from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fairhope campus.

The program has expanded steadily since its launch, drawing interest from across the county as utilities and local leaders work to address workforce needs in essential services. Students submitted applications and bios through school career counselors ahead of the interview process, competing for positions that offer both technical training and field experience.

Those selected will begin paid internships June 1, continuing through July 31. Participants will earn $14 per hour while working alongside industry professionals in departments such as electric, natural gas, water, wastewater, appliance service, transportation and customer service.

In addition to on-the-job experience, interns will complete online coursework focused on technical skills and safety training, reinforcing the program's emphasis on preparing students for real-world working conditions in critical infrastructure fields.

The initiative is supported by a broad coalition of utility providers and public agencies, including Riviera Utilities, Belforest Water System, Baldwin EMC, Baldwin County Commission, Baldwin County Solid Waste Authority, North Baldwin Utilities, Daphne Utilities, Gulf Shores Utilities, the city of Foley and Fairhope Public Utilities.

Students selected for the program will be recognized during an Internship Signing Day scheduled for May 12 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Baldwin County Preparatory Academy. The event is open to parents, supervisors, utility board members and media representatives, but not the general public.

Organizers said the internship program plays a key role in building a skilled workforce pipeline, introducing students to careers that support daily life across Baldwin County while helping utilities identify and develop future employees.