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Employment Services for Youth

Many young Californians are looking for their first job. This is an important step in learning new skills and gaining experience for the future. It can be hard to know how or where to start. Many don’t have much education or work experience to put on a resume. A first job helps you learn about the workplace and build financial skills for your future.

We work with America’s Job Centers of CaliforniaSM (AJCC) to help you get ready for success. We offer training that will help you be prepared for work and reach your career goals.

Do Your Homework

Check out our Toolkit for Job Seekers. It has tools and resources to help you find a job, explore careers, and learn about training or apprenticeships. You’ll find things like:

Follow These Steps

  1. Build Your Resume: Use the Resume Builder in CalJOBS to make your resume online. You can create different resumes for different jobs.
  2. Practice Interviewing: Learn about your strengths and practice interviews. Find your local AJCC.
  3. Get Experience for Your Career: Visit your local AJCC to learn about apprenticeships, internships, and training programs.
  4. Make Connections: Go to job fairs, workshops, and events to meet people and grow your network while learning new skills.

See If You Qualify for Employment Services

If you are 14–24 years old and meet certain requirements, you may qualify for services at your local America’s Job Center of California. These services include:

  • Help with schoolwork and finishing school.
  • Alternative school services.
  • Mentoring.
  • Paid and unpaid work experience (like internships, apprenticeships, or job shadowing).
  • Skills training.
  • Leadership development.
  • Support services.
  • Guidance and counseling.
  • Follow-up services.

Youth Employment Opportunity Program (YEOP)

The Youth Employment Opportunity Program (YEOP) helps young people ages 15–25. It helps you reach your education and career goals. Peer advisors who understand your experience will work with you as mentors and coaches. They can connect you with services, job preparation, and training.

Learn More

  • CalJOBS: An online resource to help employers and job seekers connect.
  • Youth Rules!: Learn about labor laws for teenagers, workplace safety, and restrictions.
  • Job Corps: A free education and job training program for youth and young adults ages 16–24.
  • AmeriCorps: A full-time program for young adults ages 18–24 years old that focuses on community service and leadership.
  • Apprenticeship: There are many apprenticeship programs that serve youth and young adults ages 16–24. These programs last one to six years and combine technical classroom instruction with hands-on paid work experience.

New, Emerging Workforce

Did you know?

  • There are 2.1 million workers between the ages of 16 and 24 which accounts for 11.4 percent of California’s 18.9 million labor workforce.
  • The unemployment rate for younger workers increased by 10 percentage points from March 2020 to March 2021 reflecting 19.3 percent.
  • Among the jobs held by California’s younger workers, one out of every three are employed in the food service and drinking places industry sector. The other top industries include: retail trade; transportation and warehousing; educational services; and professional and technical services.

Review Job Services for Youth (YouTube) to learn how youth are successfully finding jobs with our partnership with the AJCC network:

Career and College Readiness

Students: Start exploring career options, whether you are in high school, have graduated, have a vocational certificate, or have a two-year or four-year college degree.

Career Advisors: Find key resources for career counselors, academic advisors, and other workforce professionals.

California Career Zone: A career exploration and planning system designed especially for students.

California Department of Education: Supports local educational agencies, grades 9-12, to improve student achievement and transition to postsecondary education and careers.

High School Equivalency Test: The official site for the General Educational Development (GED) test.

Bureau of Labor Statistics: The nation’s premier source for career information. It features hundreds of occupations and describes what they do, the work environment, how to get into that occupation, the pay, and more. Each profile also includes employment projections for the 2010–20 decade.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid: Get help filling out the FAFSA® form. Browse common questions and learn how to fill out the FAFSA form.

Workforce Services

Find Jobs and Training for You

Access Employment Services

America’s Job Center of California (AJCC) helps employers find qualified workers and connects job seekers with openings. The service is free.

Learn More Find Local Office

CalJOBS

CalJOBS is California’s online job search system. You can create an account, log in, and find services for both employers and job seekers.

Learn More Sign In

Additional Resources

Can’t find what you are looking for? View these resources for more information.