Workforce Development Intern

Zekelman Industries; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

Zekelman Industries is seeking a Workforce Development Intern for our Chicago, IL HQ. This on-site role runs May 24, 2027, to August 13, 2027, and supports programs that develop skills and careers in manufacturing.

You’ll help create tools, processes, and documentation to scale programs and improve outcomes for employees, apprentices, and students. You'll collaborate with Workforce Development, HR, Operations, and leaders to plan, track, and drive initiatives, building practical solutions with

Qualifications

• Experience with data analysis and reporting is a plus.
• Strong organization and coordination skills.
• Interest in workforce development and talent development.

Responsibilities

• Analyze workforce development, apprenticeship, internship, and talent development programs to identify opportunities that improve participant outcomes and organizational effectiveness.
• Create tools, resources, and frameworks that enhance employee development experiences and increase program scalability.
• Partner with Workforce Development, HR, Operations, and business leaders to understand talent needs and support workforce development solutions.
• Support the planning and execution of workforce development projects by tracking milestones, coordinating stakeholders, and helping drive initiatives to completion.
• Develop dashboards, scorecards, and reports that measure participation, engagement, and program effectiveness.
• Research industry best practices and emerging workforce development trends to inform program strategy and continuous improvement.
• Present findings, recommendations, and project outcomes to Workforce Development and business stakeholders.
• Assist with planning and coordinating events for the Workforce Development team.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Excel

Data analysis

Project management

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Organizational Leadership, Workforce Development, HR, Business, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering or related field

Tools

Reporting tools

Job description

You may not know our name, but you know our products. What we make is part the places where we live, work and play – all day, everyday.

Zekelman is a family of companies --- 100% domestic manufacturers --- with a legacy dating back to 1877. We’re proud to be the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America and the leading innovator in multi-family housing development.

We believe in what we build and what we build, builds the world around us. Hospitals, hotels, schools, bridges, airports and more.

Come build a career you believe in.

About the Role

Zekelman Industries is seeking a Workforce Development Intern to support programs that help employees, apprentices, and students develop new skills and build meaningful careers in manufacturing. This is an on-site role located at our Chicago, IL HQ. The official Zekelman internship program runs from May 24, 2027, through August 13, 2027.

This is not a traditional administrative HR internship. Working alongside our passionate Workforce Development team, you’ll play a key role supporting our programs that help to train, develop, and retain employees across the organization. You’ll help create tools, processes, and documentation that make it easier for programs and participants to succeed.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys solving problems, creating structure, managing complex projects, and creating practical solutions that have a lasting impact. The work you complete should continue helping people long after the internship ends.

What You’ll Do

• Analyze workforce development, apprenticeship, internship, and talent development programs to identify opportunities that improve participant outcomes and organizational effectiveness.
• Create tools, resources, and frameworks that enhance employee development experiences and increase program scalability.
• Partner with Workforce Development, HR, Operations, and business leaders to understand talent needs and support workforce development solutions.
• Support the planning and execution of workforce development projects by tracking milestones, coordinating stakeholders, and helping drive initiatives to completion.
• Develop dashboards, scorecards, and reports that measure participation, engagement, and program effectiveness.
• Research industry best practices and emerging workforce development trends to inform program strategy and continuous improvement.
• Present findings, recommendations, and project outcomes to Workforce Development and business stakeholders.
• Assist with planning and coordinating events for the Workforce Development team.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Who You Are

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Organizational Leadership, Workforce Development, Human Resources, Business, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field
• Demonstrates a strong interest in workforce development, talent development, organizational effectiveness, or project management
• Demonstrates initiative, ownership, problem-solving skills, and comfortability with ambiguity
• Highly organized with strong project management skills and exceptional attention to detail
• Able to manage multiple priorities, coordinate stakeholders, and drive work forward in a fast-paced environment
• Comfortable working with data, Excel, reporting tools, and business documentation
• Experience leading projects, improving processes, conducting research, serving in leadership roles, or coordinating events is preferred

What You’ll Get

Zekelman Industries offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience supporting workforce development initiatives that help build the future of manufacturing talent.

• During your internship, you’ll have the opportunity to:
• Work on meaningful projects with real business impact
• Develop project management and process improvement skills
• Gain exposure to talent development and workforce strategy
• Present your work and recommendations to organizational stakeholders
• Explore potential future career opportunities within workforce development and related business functions

Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality medical and dental benefits.In addition, we have an amazing tuition assistance program, a bonus plan, a 401(k) plan with a generous company match, immediate vesting, and much more.

M/F/D/V

We are Zekelman Industries.

We manufacture superior quality tubular and related products, and provide outstanding service for our valued customers.

We seek to continuously advance the skills and opportunities of our employees, utilizing the latest technology and management tools available to consistently increase profitability and the enterprise value of Zekelman Industries and of our customers.