Summer jobs for teenagers typically involve life guarding at the local pool or supervising younger kids at a summer camp.
Some local students are collecting their summer paycheck with a future career in mind.
"I wanted to get some work experience, and I didn't particularly care to do a fast food job," said Joseph Gossen, a rising freshman at James Madison University.
Gossen is one of 12 teens from 11 local high schools, taking part in a summer apprenticeship program at Areva. The nuclear technology firm is giving students a chance to do real engineering projects, similar to what Areva's full-time employees do every day.
"It's a program where we can reach out to kids in the Region 2000 area," said Steve Martin, Areva's Apprenticeship Coordinator. "We're trying to make them more aware of engineering careers that are available to them."
Especially careers in the nuclear industry, a field where engineers are in demand.
Andrew Strickland is hoping to take what he learns here and build on it through a four-year degree.
"It shows me that this is what I like to do engineering is definitely where I want to be," said Strickland.
Areva hopes these students will come back to work for them someday, but that's not the goal. They're giving students practical skills that can be used in a variety of engineering roles.
"It's not so much that we're working for the benefit of Areva, it's kind of like Areva working for the benefit of us," said Gossen.
The apprenticeship program is a joint project between Areva and Central Virginia Community College. It lasts seven weeks and wraps up this Friday.
