About NKBA Internships

Why hire an intern?

An internship is the doorway to working in the real world. As students from an NKBA Accredited Program look ahead towards their futures, they need guidance from members who are willing to share their industry expertise. Educational institutions all over North America offer kitchen/bath curriculums accredited by the NKBA.

What is an internship?

An internship is a monitored and planned work experience designed by the employer to meet the organization’s needs, as well as the learning objectives of a student studying at a college or university. Internships can be full or part-time, paid or unpaid, usually no longer than a 16 week semester. Students who are studying at programs that are accredited by the NKBA are required to submit documentation that they have completed a 160 hour work experience/internship in the kitchen and bath industry in order to meet requirements for graduation from an accredited program.

What is the NKBA Intern Program?

The program supports, encourages, and recognizes NKBA member firms that register to help build an educated workforce by providing internships to students at programs accredited by the NKBA.

The NKBA Intern Program:

• Is offered free to NKBA member firms
• Provides listing of your internship online and markets the opportunity to NKBA member students at programs accredited by NKBA
• Supports firms who wish to help build an educated workforce by providing a detailed booklet to answer your questions about internships and assist in planning your firm’s internship opportunities
• Flexible and adaptable to your organization’s needs
• Recognizes NKBA member firms that share their expertise with a special “Thank You” certificate, and recognition in the Association’s quarterly magazine, Profiles

The NKBA is pleased to offer a special gift of recognition to registered companies that offer internships and appear as the internship firm on a completed Graduation Verification Form.

How can an intern benefit my company?

• Year-round source of highly motivated pre-professionals
• Interns add enthusiasm and current industry knowledge to your company
• Visibility of your organization is increased on campus
• Quality candidates for ongoing projects
• Freedom for professional staff to pursue more creative projects
• Flexible, cost-effective work force, which does not require a long-term employer commitment
• Proven cost-effective way to recruit and evaluate potential employees
• Your image in the community is enhanced as you contribute your expertise to the educational enterprise

How long are the intern programs?

The internship is generally taken just before or during the final year of classroom work, providing real-world experience and enhancing and extending classroom learning. With preparation through classroom and internship experiences, a student who completes an NKBA Accredited curriculum should have the competencies considered to be the foundation for practice as a kitchen/bath designer. The length of time that you will have the intern can vary, but the NKBA requires 160 hours for the internship.

Please contact Larry Gulotta with more information and questions!

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