Apprenticeships for High School Students
Get a head start on your STEM career!
At Georgia Southern University, our mission is to make sure you’re ready to hit the ground running in a great career…with leading-edge companies right here in southeast Georgia.
If you’re a high school senior looking for careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), the Headed to Paulson Program is for you! You give us a summer, and we’ll give you the career head start you’re looking for.
The Headed to Paulson Program invites high school students who are interested in Georgia Southern to apply for summer apprenticeship positions with industry partners in Southeast Georgia.
Our industry partners include:
- Great Dane, Statesboro, GA
- Brasseler North America, Savannah, GA
- Cardinal Corporation,Statesboro, GA
- Collin’s Aerospace, Savannah, GA
- Daniel Defense, Black Creek, GA
- JTEKT, Sylvania, GA
- Verescence, Sparta, GA
- Georgia-Pacific, Rincon, GA
- Briggs & Stratton
Get Started Now!
2024 Student Information Meeting Dates
Student Information Meeting Dates:
- Headed to Paulson Student Information Session Dates:
- October 25 – 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Savannah Campus, Science Center, Room 1407 and Engineering Materials Processing Laboratory Tour
- October 26 – Eagle Preview on Savannah Campus
- October 30 – 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Online Session
- November 8 – 3:00pm to 5:00 pm, Statesboro Campus, Engineering and Research Building (ERB), Room 3000 and ERB Tour
- November 9 – Eagle Preview on Statesboro Campus
- Online Workshop
- November 19, 4:00 to 5:00 pm, Online Resume/Interview Workshop
In addition, one-on-one zoom coaching sessions are available to help prepare for industry partner interviews. Apprenticeship positions are typically filled by March 31, 2025. It is better to interview early as there are a limited number of positions available.
Find out if you have what it takes to be an Engineering or Computing summer apprentice. Get started by filling out our Interest Form.
Here’s what our students have to say
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“I would recommend this program because it can open your eyes and actually help you understand what you’re going to be studying and what your career path is going to be, whether it’s manufacturing or mechanical or whatever it is that you plan to do. This helps you understand what you want to do, and it’s helped me understand that manufacturing engineering is something I want to do for the rest of my life.” — Mason Brooks, manufacturing engineering major (U.S. Marine Corps veteran)
“This experience here really builds onto a future job and work experience by actually letting me see the field, and getting my feet wet.” — Roan Thornton, aerospace engineering major
“What interested me most about the program was the fact that I actually got to work with practicing engineers.” — Chase Garrett, mechanical engineering major
How does the Headed to Paulson Program Work?
- The summer after their high school graduation, students will work 40 hours per week with an industry partner in the area.
- Students will visit the Georgia Southern Statesboro Campus a total of three times to:
- Participate in hands-on lab activities
- Tour labs and buildings
- Meet Georgia Southern faculty
- Receive career and academic coaching
- Hear from industry and alumni speakers
- Talk about your apprenticeship with other students
- Learn about student organizations to get even more experience
Get Started Now!
Have Questions? Contact Us!
Reinhold Gerbsch, DSc.
Headed to Paulson Director
Phone: 912-478-5474
Email: rgerbsch@georgiasouthern.edu
For Industry Partners
How many positions at your company are just waiting for skilled applicants?
You know that Georgia’s STEM economy is booming, but according to the Technology Association of Georgia, the pipeline for qualified employees could run dry if state leaders and institutions don’t take action.
At Georgia Southern University, we understand that our future is tied to the future of southeast Georgia — when businesses and industries thrive, we thrive. And when we produce a talented workforce, southeast Georgia becomes a better place to invest in new businesses and industries.
What you provide…
Apprenticeship opportunities for rising college freshmen.
What we provide…
Instruction and hands-on learning to supplement their apprenticeships.
How does the Headed to Paulson Program Work for Partners?
The program brings together companies within a two-hour drive to our main campus and students while they are in high school. Then, immediately after high school graduation, they do an apprenticeship with your company.
- The summer after their high school graduation, students will work 40 hours per week with an industry partner in the area.
- Students will visit the Georgia Southern Statesboro Campus one day a month to:
- Participate in hands-on lab activities
- Tour labs and buildings
- Meet Georgia Southern faculty
- Receive career and academic coaching
- Hear from industry and alumni speakers
- Talk about their apprenticeship with other students
- Learn about student organizations to get even more experience
Partnerships are available now!
Headed to Paulson is now in its third year and the word is spreading fast. We invite you to become part of this unique program and develop lasting relationships with students early in their careers and nearby your facility.