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Ethan Hodgson, or “Hot Wheels,” as his friends call him, is a high school student already thinking about his career.

Born without the use of his legs, Hodgson is determined to do what he loves and become an equipment operator. He recently spent the day with the City of Albemarle Public Works team for a job shadowing experience.

In addition to testing out machinery, he visited city facilities such as the water treatment plant, electric division, city warehouse, solid waste facility and city hall.

“I’ve always wanted to run machinery,” Hodgson said. “It’s fun! Who wouldn’t want to run one of these all day?”

His job shadowing experience was set up by Jason Palmer, a veteran member of City of Albemarle Public Works team who first connected with him through an accessible deer hunting program.

“Having Ethan on the job with us was a great opportunity to share what we do at Public Works,” Palmer said. “I hope to share this experience with more students in the future.”

The City of Albemarle is accepting applications from college students for the city’s paid internship program through the Golden LEAF Foundation. Internships may be available across the city including within Administration, Albemarle Fire Department, Albemarle Police Department, Parks & Recreation, Public Housing, Public Utilities, Public Works, Planning & Development, Finance, Human Resources and Information Systems.

Students may apply at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/albemarle/jobs/4335028/internship-opportunity?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs .