NextGen Workforce Internship Program FAQ

The NextGen Workforce Internship Program is a work-based learning initiative that provides high school students with firsthand experience in the health care industry. Through engaging summer jobs, participants gain hands-on exposure to a variety of health care roles, allowing them to explore potential career paths. This immersive experience not only builds practical skills and knowledge, but also fosters professional growth, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the diverse opportunities within the health care field.

The program runs for six weeks from July 6 to August 15, 2026.

Who Can Participate

• Students who attend one of the following partnering high schools will be matched the school's corresponding locations
• Students 16.5 years of age and older 
   

Participant Hours

• Interns can work 24 hours per week during the summer and we recommend those hours be during the dayshift.
• Hiring managers will coordinate a schedule.
• If working the evening shift, minors may not work after 10 pm.

Attire:

• Professional appearance that reflects a positive image of UMass Memorial Health
• Scrubs or business casual clothing
• The identification badge (issued before you begin on day one)

Attendance:

• Everyone is expected to be at work on all scheduled workdays.
• Arrive prior to start time (the time work begins).
• In an emergency or if sick, interns must contact the manager or supervisor before the expected arrival time.

Other expectations:

• Take responsibility for your actions and help to achieve personal and team successes.
• Personal phones are not allowed to be used while at work, but they may be used during scheduled breaks and lunch breaks.
• Confidentiality regarding patients is the law and all UMass Memorial Health caregivers must safeguard and protect patient privacy. Interns will train on Patient Rights Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

• Come with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.
• Be dependable.
• Respect all staff, co-workers, patients and patients’ families.
• Be kind.
• Ask questions and listen to others.
• Be a team player.
• Be a sponge, absorbing all that is being taught.

• Interns can work on administrative and clerical tasks, as well as taking on support responsibilities.
• Assist with departmental projects.
• Learn about health care and careers by shadowing team caregivers when appropriate.

• Assisting with project coordination or research
• Organizing physical or digital files
• Answering telephones and directing calls
• Assisting with patient or visitor inquiries and providing basic information
• Performing data entry utilizing spreadsheets and/or databases
• Photocopying, scanning, or printing documents
• Organizing and restocking supplies and taking on other inventory control tasks
• Shadowing team caregivers to learn workplace procedures to gain exposure to health care careers

• Job opportunities will be shared with high school partners and students.
• Students who are 16.5+ years of age must complete an employment application and submit a resume with a personal statement.
• Students may be notified of an interview request.
• A member of UMass Memorial Health’s talent acquisition team will extend an offer to the selected intern.
• The intern must sign the offer letter within 24 hours.
• The intern submits the appropriate onboarding paperwork:
  • Identification and Form I-9
  • Immunization/vaccination records
  • Work permit (under the age of 18)
  • Tax information
  • Direct deposit account information
  • Other required documents
• The intern attends talent acquisition onboarding and Employee Health Services appointments.

If the intern attends a Chapter 74 vocational high school or is in a vocational program and there is an approved position for a co-op student, they may be able to participate in their school’s student cooperative education program.