Texas Internship Challenge Frequently Asked Questions

The Texas Internship Challenge is a recommendation from the Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Education Agency and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to the Governor’s Office, as part of the Tri-Agency Initiative, challenging industry and employer partners to offer more paid internships for Texas students.

An internship is a formal employment program offering real-world experience for early career professionals in an occupation. Internships are typically seasonal, aligned with post-secondary education semesters - spring, summer and fall - and can range from several weeks to several months. Employers are increasingly looking to recruit staff that possess some relevant workplace experience which can be gained through internships.

Texas Workforce Commission encourages Texas employers to offer paid internships. Organizations are likely to attract a broader and more diverse set of applicants and have the position taken more seriously by those who apply. Individual employers should determine internship salaries. The minimum wage is $7.25 an hour. When competing for interns, though, employers indicate the going rate is between $12-15/hour, or even more in high-demand industries or companies.

Academic requirements of for-credit internships are set by a student’s high school or college/university and vary by school, degree path, and internship. Students are responsible for coordinating with their counselor or teacher/professor to understand the process for obtaining course credit for an internship and then coordinating with an employer offering the position.

Hiring interns is similar to hiring any new employee. Employers should ensure compliance with the full spectrum of employment law. Paid interns have the same workplace rights as full-time employees, other than benefits that may be reserved for employees who work a specified number of hours.

Employers should not allow any type of discrimination against interns. Employers have access to the Especially for Texas Employers guidebook which is published by the TWC Commissioner Representing Employers. Employers are also encouraged to consult with their own employment law counsel.

• Especially for Texas Employers (online version)
• Especially for Texas Employers

Employer Registration

Employers need a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) and a UI Employer Account Number to register. To ensure qualified employers are participating in this program, there is a 72 hour verification process following registration. Registrants will receive a confirmation email indicating they can post positions (the site calls this “creating job orders”), search for candidates, and accept applications.

• Employer Quick start guide

Create Internship Descriptions

Employers should write internship position descriptions which should include an organizational overview, duties, and experience or skills needed to apply, even if just basic computer and phone skills. Indicate the internship location, start and end date, daily/weekly hours expected to work, and pay. Mention special attire or uniforms if applicable. Finally, candidates using the site must be age 16+ and submit a resume. Indicate if the position has any age considerations (e.g. high school internship) and any other content needed to apply (e.g. letter of reference, school transcript).

Reset a Password

Click the "forgot password?" link and follow the instructions. If unable to reset, contact the Workforce Systems Support Desk at: 512-463-4210.

Integration with Hiring Sites

Internship positions can redirect applicants to a hiring site.

Integration with Social Media

Internship positions can be shared through Facebook, Twitter and email.

Onboarding

Employers should onboard interns similarly to onboarding full-time employees. An intern specific onboarding guide is available.