The Illinois Department of Central Management Services, in collaboration with the Department of Transportation, is broadening its Intern to Hire Program to include engineering positions. The move targets a growing shortage in the engineering workforce, particularly for civil engineers. Through this initiative, paid internships will provide qualified candidates with hands-on experience and a clear pathway to permanent roles in state government. Officials emphasize that this expansion not only strengthens career prospects for emerging engineers but also ensures the continuity of critical infrastructure projects. Applications for the enhanced program are now being accepted, signaling new opportunities for engineering students and graduates.
“We are investing in the future of the State’s workforce, with a focus on engineers,” said Raven A. DeVaughn, Director of CMS. “This program is not only creating career opportunities for emerging professionals, but also helping us reform and modernize how we recruit and retain top talent. We’re thrilled to partner with IDOT to bring this vision to life.”
“We’re excited for young people to take advantage of this innovative program to help them move from college internship to full-time employment at IDOT, while being part of implementing an historic construction program, the largest in state history,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “This will make it possible for interns we’ve trained and who have become part of our team to stay and build their career at IDOT.”
“We have been very successful with previous engineering co-op programs at IDOT. The new Intern to Hire Program takes this idea to the next level,” said Lora Rensing, IDOT’s chief engineer and director of the Office of Highways Project Implementation. “We look forward to mentoring talented engineering students and giving them a path to become the future generation of transportation professionals and leaders at IDOT.”
A major boost is underway for Illinois infrastructure as the state expands its recruitment of civil engineers through the IDOT program. Participants will join a 1,000-strong engineering team, fueling projects made possible by Governor Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois capital program. This landmark investment, totaling $33.2 billion over six years, promises upgrades to aging roads, bridges, and transit, solidifying the state’s reputation as the nation’s transportation hub. With thousands more engineers needed across the industry, the initiative offers professionals a chance to shape both statewide and local improvements while opening new career opportunities in communities throughout Illinois.
