Deshler students learn about PROJECTXYZ intern program

Deshler High School Career Tech students recently had the opportunity to learn about a local business looking to hire and train them and their peers.

PROJECTXYZ, a Huntsville-based technical solutions company, is looking to expand a program where high school students are given the chance to work for the company and gain experience in various fields.

PROJECTXYZ sent representatives to DHS on Oct. 24 to give a presentation to students who may be interested in joining the company’s workforce in the future.

“We started this partnership about three years ago,” said Dr. Melody Murphy, who is in charge of co-op students at Deshler, those who spend part of their day in internships or educational programs outside of the school. “They were looking for students to come and work for them, and over that time they have had about 30 students with PROJECTXYZ. Some they have retained, and they are still working there after graduation.”

PROJECTXYZ President Larry Lewis spoke with the students on the various fields the company works in, including automotive and electronic manufacturing and assembly in Muscle Shoals and even computer systems that guide missiles to aerial targets.

“PROJECTXYZ is a technical solutions company using its expertise to solve problems and deliver results for federal and commercial customers at various locations, both domestic and international,” according to the company’s website.

“We provide expertise in the research, design, development, integration and sustainment of innovative solutions in engineering for federal customers, manufacturing, logistics, information technology, engineering and alternative energy.”

Brittany Grant, who used to be over the student program at PROJECTXYZ but is now a human resources manager, said the company works to get out in the community and schools to let students know this partnership exists.

“Our main partnership is with Deshler — that’s where most of our students come from,” Grant said. “We have had more schools reach out to us this year. We have tours were students come through, see what we have to offer and learn about what they would be doing if they joined the program.”

Grant said the company began recruiting local high school students for the program because they are the “future” of the PROJECTXYZ workforce.

“We can train them up and give them that experience while they are in high school,” she said. “Upon graduation, they have the opportunity to come on with us full or part time. If they want to go off to college, they can stay with us and intern. They can get that experience while working to get their degree. They are our future, that’s why we want to pour into them.”

Murphy said there are several Deshler graduates that interned at PROJECTXYZ that have become full-time employees with the company as a career.