(Ashburn, Va.) - Ashby Ponds retirement community has initiated an internship program with a focus on educating interns on how the community operates each and every day. The interns will be assigned to various departments on campus upon their entry into the program. The program, called APL University, officially began on June 17 and will continue for eight weeks.
This year, four candidates were selected for APL University and will work with department coaches in four different areas: Resident Life, General Services, Sales & Information, and Dining Services. During the last week of their internship, they will all spend time learning about the Administration, Finance, and Continuing Care departments. The interns will also complete a group project at the conclusion of the program in mid-August.
“The original purpose of the program was to provide more opportunities for the students who work at the community,” said Casey Jaekle, who along with his Ashby Ponds colleague Jarka Slaninova, had the vision for this program in 2012. “It’s also about working to retain great employees.”
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This year, APL University was open only to dependents of Ashby Ponds employees and students who work at the community. At Ashby Ponds, there are nearly 100 high school students from Loudoun County and Fairfax County working for the community’s Dining Services department as servers, restaurant assistants, and service coaches, among other positions. During the program, any current student employees will temporarily suspend their work with the Dining Services department to focus on the internship program.
APL University interns will be paid and will work up to 30 hours per week. During the program, the interns will take a field trip to one of the other Erickson Living communities. In future years, the community hopes to further develop the program and will consider offering opportunities such as expanding the applicant pool to include those in the greater community.
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About Ashby Ponds: Ashby Ponds, one of 16 retirement communities managed by Erickson Living, is situated on a scenic 132-acre campus in Ashburn, Virginia (approximately 30 miles west of Washington, D.C.). The community is home to over 700 residents and has over 100 resident-run and resident-driven clubs and groups, an indoor pool, a fitness club, transportation services, 24-hour security, and flexible dining options. More information about Ashby Ponds can be found at www.ericksonliving.com.
