Summer Jobs for Teens

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  • Summer jobs for 15-year-old in Berkeley?

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    Apr 11, 2024

    Hi there, 

    I am looking for paid summer jobs or opportunities for my son, who will be a rising 10th grader this summer. He had a great experience working at a camp through YouthWorks last summer and is hoping to do more this year. Can you recommend any camps/programs/stores/restaurants/etc. that will consider hiring a 15-year-old with a resume and recommendations? 

    Thank you! -- Christopher

    Apr 11, 2024

    Honestly, now that fast food restaurants have to pay $20 an hour for workers, this closes the door to a lot of the work that teenagers used to be able to get.

    May 7, 2024

  • Paid summer opportunities for 15 year old?

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    Dec 20, 2023

    My son will be 15 this summer and is looking for paid job opportunities. Any suggestions? He seems to be at that age where most things are unpaid (or even require fees to take part) and he hopes to earn some spending money for himself. He participated in a CIT program last summer and has done some work through our local soccer league, working as a referee in the fall. Would appreciate any and all ideas. Thank you!

    Dec 20, 2023

    Once he turns 15, he can apply for lifeguarding work. Pools will train!

    Dec 22, 2023

    El Cerrito Youth Baseball is always looking for youth umpires — no need to be a baseball player, and the pay is pretty good. Www.ecyb.org , umpire registration will open in mid-Jan I believe. You can email info [at] ecyb.org to express interest.  

    Dec 25, 2023

    are you sure the pools will train? Don't you have to take an official course? My 16 year old wants to do this too.

    Dec 26, 2023

    Lifeguarding! There's a major shortage of lifeguards, and SO MANY POOLS. It's truly needed and valuable work. 

    Dec 30, 2023

    My daughter did the City of Berkeley YouthWorks program and it was pretty awesome. Getting it was a lot of jumping through hoops, like applying for a program not just a job, with group trainings that last a whole week. But if you're selected and make it that far, you're paid, and the placements are everything from counseling at camps to working and learning at the Ecology Center, the Farmer's Market, and other cool community interactions in the job. 
     

    Not every kid got in or got placed AFAIK, but you do get to express your preference for what kind of work you are willing to do (with kids, outdoors, etc.). I was very proud of my daughter for getting placed as she did and what she learned, all while earning along the way. A great program. 

    Jan 1, 2024

    I just looked up the lifeguard certification for Berkeley public pools. You do have to be 15 and you have to take the Lifeguarding training course, which costs money. (Although if you think you might qualify for scholarship funds, it doesn't hurt to ask.) There are class sessions in February, March, and over spring break to get you ready by summer. 

    For any youth not 15 yet, the Berkeley pools offer a Junior Lifeguarding camp for ages 11-14 in the summers. It's a great way for youth to learn what it's like to be a lifeguard and see if it's something they might want to pursue. 

    And for 16-year-olds, they can apply to become City of Berkeley summer camp counselors. They work alongside adults, and it's a great way to build work experience.

    Jan 4, 2024

  • Summer Job for Teen Girls

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    Feb 13, 2023

    Hi,

    My daughter is 15 and can now officially work at certain kinds of jobs. Where do I begin to look?

    Feb 13, 2023

    Every city runs summer camps and some have 'junior counselor' jobs for younger teens, so maybe check with your local parks department?

    Also, babysitting is a great way to make money in the summer - have her check out Bananas and get certified.

    Feb 18, 2023

  • How do teenagers find jobs?

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    Jul 19, 2022

    I haven't looked for a job in so long, I have no idea how to advise my teenager how to find a job besides seeing a sign in a shop window! Problem is he's not interested in food service which is where I usually see those signs. Any advice would be appreciated. Also--anyone looking for a recent high school graduate who is looking for a part time job during his gap year (available past the summer!). Thanks!

    Jul 19, 2022

    Hello,

    My son used Indeed.com last year to find a job at 17.  He did a search using teen as a keyword.  He was also not interested in working in the fast food industry.  He found a part -time job as a stocking clerk in retail.  He was able to maintain the job through his senior year and is still working there part-time a year later while taking summer classes.  Best of luck in your job search.

    Jul 25, 2022

    I helped my teen write a resume and then told him to walk up and down commercial streets, go into every store, talk to someone in charge, tell them you're looking for a job, and hand them your resume. It worked once or twice. It's good experience even if it doesn't produce a job. 

    Aug 1, 2022

    It's going to have to be in the service industry probably. They're the only places that really hire without much experience (or none). Food service may not be great, but that's one of the main options in my experience. Either that, or standing at a cash register ringing people out all day. I don't think it's a bad idea to put together a resume or sorts and just walk into places and ask if they're hiring. Cast a wide net and something will be available. 

    Aug 26, 2022

    If money allows, I would also suggest that your teen consider getting an unpaid internship that has really good skill building in an area that interests them. Yes it doesn't bring in money but it brings in experience that perhaps turn into money fairly quickly. As an adult who spent years in service industry jobs as a late teen and early in college, I really wish that people had encouraged me to think about getting an internship. My parents were supporting me most of that time anyway, and the money I actually made from service industry work was fairly negligible, unfortunately. Good luck!

    Aug 29, 2022

  • Summer Job for Teen

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    Jun 21, 2022

    Hello. My teen (almost 16) girl is having a heck of a time finding a summer job. Does anyone have a cafe or small business needing a hard worker?

    Jun 21, 2022

    Well Grounded in El Cerrito is, I think, hiring and does hire teens. It is walkable from BART.

    Jun 27, 2022

    Supposedly the job market for teens is booming right now, but we didn't find that to be the case. My 17 yr applied to over 50 places and got interviews at maybe 4. She eventually landed a job at a cafe that just had a simple hiring sign in the window. She has job experience and a food certificate, but she is going to college in the fall, and many of these places want long term help, not just for the summer. They seem willing to remain understaffed rather than hire someone for just a few months. 16 is often the minimum age and 18 is the norm at a lot of the shops on 4th St. Your teen's best bet at 15 is to work at a summer camp, but it may be too late. We also found that applying on Indeed did not produce many interviews. Walking down College Ave, 4th St and Solano with resume in hand helped the most. I did see a hiring sign at Acme Breads, but everyone there seems to be 18+

    Jun 27, 2022

    We had similar experience with our 17-year-old son.  He got a late start job-hunting, because he'd heard that so many places are hiring and desperate for workers.  But he applied to 10-20 places, and heard back from almost nobody.  I think the lesson learned is to start early.  Summer camps are great places for teens to work for sure, but you have to start applying in the spring; they have paperwork, orientations, training, etc.  At this point, our son will piece together some babysitting and some housesitting.  You might try that.

    Jul 4, 2022

    Just here to say that your teen is not alone. Mine didn’t find anything either, so is driving for Uber eats, which is probably not an option for a 15 year old. 

    Jul 11, 2022

     Our local Round Table Pizza, Sprouts, Chipotle and Starbucks are hiring.  I am in San Ramon.  I recommend if you live in the Berkeley or Oakland area that your daughter go to the businesses (grocery stores, coffee shops, pizza places, sandwich places) in person and ask for a summer job.  

    Jul 18, 2022

    Mr Mopps is looking for people.  They may want someone longer term, but it's worth stopping in. 

    Jul 23, 2022

  • Where do college kids look for summer work?

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    Feb 18, 2022

    I'm looking for some summer job resources my son can explore. He goes to college (rising sophomore) in another city but will be in Oakland for the summer, so he's trying to figure out how to approach looking for jobs remotely. If anyone has advice, websites to check out or specific companies/opportunities to recommend, I'd love to give him some places to start looking. He's open to pretty anything, thinking probably retail will have the most options, and would be extra happy if it involves bikes or engineering. Thanks!

    Feb 18, 2022

    Many college students (including my daughter) work as camp counselors during the summer.  If they've attended a camp, many camps like to hire former campers.  Even if not, camps are hiring.  If your child is tech-focused, you might look into ID Tech Camps https://www.idtech.com/jobs.  
     

    Feb 21, 2022

  • Need job ideas for anxious teen

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    Feb 13, 2022

    My daughter is a high school senior, she struggled a great deal like many teens during the year plus of no in-person school and became depressed. Through the assessment process, she was diagnosed with pretty significant anxiety and has been in therapy since September and now also taking medication to help with the anxiety and depression. She has mostly stabilized and as part of her treatment, and preparing to go out into the world, she needs to get some kind of part-time job just a day or two a week, to practice pushing through the fear and discomfort she has of meeting new people in being in new situations. Higher stress jobs like restaurant work wouldn't work for her, or jobs where you have to deal with customers alot. I'm seeking ideas of jobs that might be good for a kid like her to dip her toe in the water of working, and something that would hire a teen just a couple of days a week.  

    Feb 13, 2022

    My niece worked at Trader Joe's (Univ/MLK) for a year after high school. She is shy and introverted and has dealt with a lifetime of challenges, including anxiety, depression, and OCD, but she said that TJ was the best first job. The crew and managers were kind and supportive. Most of her job was stocking shelves with customers occasionally asking for help. She eventually also worked the cash register, which was terrifying for her at first, but she did it (first supported by another crew member, later on her own) and gained a lot of confidence in the process. She got paid pretty well. TJ even started and contributed to a 401k, which was a big deal to a 18yo. Later while in college, she worked at a coffee shop; it was terrible -- nonstop stream of impatient, picky customers. Finally she has also done admin work in an office, which was great, but it didn't contribute to her growth in dealing with other people the way her TJ job did. Good luck to your daughter!

    Feb 14, 2022

    Does your daughter like children? Maybe she can do a few hours a week babysitting or being a mother's helper.  Does your daughter play an instrument or enjoy art? Maybe offering to teach a class or help with homework after school? I also think helping out with animals (i.e., dog walker) could be therapeutic for her. Probably something that low sensory as well (i.e., not large crowds, not too loud, etc.

    Feb 14, 2022

    You don't say where you are, but contact Bridges from School to Work. (bridgestowork.org / 510-834-4700)  It's in Oakland.  My daughter had an IEP when she was in high school (anxiety was one of her issues, although not the reason for the IEP), and they helped her with a resume, job applications and ultimately a job. 

    Feb 14, 2022

    Target may be a good fit. They hire a great number of students and are used to accommodating students' schedules. Some work as little as 1 day a week. The jobs can range from stockroom, fulfillment, cashier, customer returns, etc. The cashier's position may work well since she'll have some interaction with customers but the work is otherwise rather simple; and all trickier issues are handled by the managers.

    Feb 14, 2022

    Have you asked your daughter where she might like to do for a job?  Also, working with the public could be just the thing that helps her.  My daughter suffers from 3 forms of anxiety, depression, and panic disorder, is in therapy and on a cocktail of meds.  My daughter was diganosed when she was 17 and during the summer/fall of her senior year in high school started working at Ulta Beauty in Alameda, now over 4+ years later she has graduated from college, and is the Operations Manager there.  I am telling you all this because your daughter can succeed.  Not sure where you all live, but you could try applying to Ulta in Alameda and work with a great group of ladies, including my daughter Cam.  She would be in great hands there.  You could also look into her do babysitting, working with kids at summer camp.  But whatever she does, the best of luck to her.

    Feb 14, 2022

    It's good that you are taking the anxiety seriously.  My sweet and smart nephew, now 19, really has no idea what to do with himself.  The world is a terrible, violent, hopeless mess in his mind.  He was never a great student, but he just refuses to go that last yard.  As for your question, my kid (almost 14) has a weekly newspaper route and has started babysitting for our neighbor.  At her age, my friends were working in local libraries and I volunteered with a hospital auxiliary.  In high school I also found office jobs like filing, typesetting, etc.  I did a bit of tutoring.  My younger one volunteers at an animal shelter.

    Feb 14, 2022

    East Bay Park District is hiring for student aides (16+). Personally I think this would be pretty fun as well as keep you outside a lot which is great for mental health. Many local afterschool rec programs would probably also be perfectly happy to take a senior for a few hours on one or two days a week in the afternoons, just start looking at the websites of cities close to you that she can get to easily. Maybe working with little kids would be less anxiety inducing. Good luck to her!

    Feb 16, 2022

  • After school options for a teen at Berkeley High

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    Aug 17, 2021

    My daughter just started her junior year at Berkeley High and is looking for things to do after school (she is not at all interested sports). She is thinking about looking for a very part-time job, maybe in one of the used book stores downtown. Have any parents had teens do this and, if so, do you have any advice?  She would also be interested in finding out about meaningful volunteer opportunities nearby. She does a lot of art on her own but has never taken a formal class, so she'd love recommendations for that as well. She needs to go somewhere that is an easy bus ride (or walk) from BHS. Thanks in advance for your help!

    Aug 17, 2021

    We had this issue too. No sports so what to do after school. My daughter took art classes at Liv and Chiu and also at the Walt Disney Museum in San Francisco (your child wouldn't make it to that one on time if she can't get a ride.) I wouldn't recommend a job in downtown, but only because you have a lot of mentally unstable folks to deal with (I know this from experience). Maybe she can find a job like somewhere on Solano Ave which she could take the bus to. Not sure they'll do it this year but employment through  the city program Youth Works is also great. My daughter worked at the Kala Art Institute for 8 weeks one year through that program. 

    Aug 23, 2021

    The Berkeley Public Library has volunteer opportunities and sometimes paid jobs for teens--see https://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/teens/jobs-and-volunteering

    Aug 23, 2021

    Hi, I suggest your daughter apply to work in the afterschool programs at one of the elementary schools in Berkeley.  We need and value our young playground and activity supervisors.  

    Aug 23, 2021

    What about working at Trader Joe's, just a few blocks from BHS? I just heard from a friend that her daughter, an Oakland high school student, got a part time job at the TJs in Oakland. Not sure if they are hiring at the one in Berkeley but it seems like it could be a positive, educational work experience. 

    Aug 24, 2021

  • College student looking to work for a year

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    Apr 9, 2020

    My 18 year old is home from his first year of college, like everyone else due to Covid 19. Since he has been home he says he'd like to take next year off from school and work in some sort of manual labor job, and is open to anything, just not an office type of setting.  I am not surprised by this as he has never loved school, but managed to graduate high school and go on to his first year of college. I had actually encouraged him to work for a year before going to college, because I had a feeling it might be a better match for him, but in the end he decided he wanted to start college. In high school, as a junior and senior he worked at a local store that required a lot of manual labor, and did so for as many hours as he could, so he has some experience in this area. He's going to finish this year of school, which has moved online, while he looks for work. He says he'd like to eventually finish school, and may take a class at a community college next year while he works. I am looking for some advice or ideas for him, such as a work study program, trade school, volunteer program, any non-traditional college classes that are not 100% in a classroom, talk to a career counselor?...I am not sure what I am looking for to be quite honest, just trying to help him explore this area. Thank you in advance!

    Apr 9, 2020

    Where my family is from - England - gap years and INTERNSHIPS are super common and I think a great idea. Doing "manual labor" for a year with no longer term goal in mind doesn't make sense to me. But carefully selecting a profession that involves being outdoors and working with your hands, sounds great. Why don't you tell him you'll completely support him in this if he researches such a path, goes to a few informational interviews with people who are successful in that profession, and chart a plan that involves his self-created internship, followed by getting a degree that will help him on that path? For example, I have a good friend who's a successful landscape designer. She's outdoors much of the day with her team, and has been all her life. She has her degree in LD, and has taken continuing ed programs as part of her license. She lives in a nice house in a good area, so she's doing well. A reasonable first step in this path would be interning with a landscape designer.

    Apr 13, 2020

    Laney College has vocational education programs, including carpentry, welding, machining, HVAC systems. I'm not sure whether/how those programs might be adapted to online learning but they are good to know about. The carpentry program builds tiny houses for the homeless, so students are doing good while acquiring marketable skills. My daughter took a carpentry class there a couple of summers ago; she's currently finishing a 4-year degree but enjoyed learning her way around power tools.

    Apr 13, 2020

    I think that it is really cool that your kid is going on this exploration of himself, and that you are supportive of his choices. He sounds very solid.These are just a few anecdotal thoughts on what's out there: the push has been so great for everyone to go to college for the last 20+ years that few folks have explored the Trades, and there's a shortage of skilled folks out there. Just now we are seeing a return of job-training programs (aka vocational courses) in our high schools. A number of tradespeople are willing to take on apprentices these days: plumbers, masons, construction. He could start by reaching out to tradespeople you've worked with and asking them if they are interested, or if they know someone who might be. I also know several college students who work summer jobs doing trail maintenance for the parks and LOVE it; they live in a camp for a couple of months, do hard manual labor all day long, get fed and "housed" for the summer. Of course, who knows what will happen....

    Apr 13, 2020

    He may be interested in becoming a backflow assembly tester. Backflow assemblies are devices used to protect the drinking water from being contaminated when there is a connection to something like a boiler or irrigation system that uses chemicals. These devices are everywhere and they are required to be tested annually by certified testers. Here's a video of what a tester does. And here's a pretty simple explanation of what backflow is and why it's important.

    To get certified he would need to take a 40 hour class and then a written and hands on test. Once certified he can work for a company or agency (and there are usually plenty of vacant positions) where they go around and test the devices to make sure they are working. Most of the companies provide some mentorship so that new people aren't suddenly out on their own. Usually the person does need a driver's license.

    The most local company that offers the certification class is in Sunnyvale: https://www.backflowschool.com/. There is also one that offers classes in Santa Rosa and Morgan Hill: http://www.mitchscertifiedclasses.com/index.asp?TopicID=4; and the American Water Works Association offers the class in Sacramento.

    If you think he may be interested in this feel free to message me and I would be happy to talk to him more.

    Apr 13, 2020

    I think you are already doing all you should be doing by supporting and encouraging your son. He seems to be a bright and responsible young man very much in touch with who he is and what he likes or doesn't like. He will figure out his own path. I would keep open communication, but mostly observe from the sideline. Best wishes.

    Apr 13, 2020

    My son was not so into college and likes outdoor physical work. He went to the outdoor recreation leadership program at Feather River College a community college in Quincy, CA, for a year but after various adventures and then working for a couple different contractors for a few months (these were "no experience necessary" jobs he found on Craigslist), he completed a free 15 week San Francisco city program that prepares SF residents for paid, UNION building trades apprenticeships. He got a job immediately and has great benefits, and with overtime he's relatively well paid even as a first year apprentice. Of course he's laid off at the moment, but he'll have work again when construction is back on assuming the economy doesn't completely collapse. I'm not sure if Berkeley or Alameda County have similar programs - check with local community colleges.

    Apr 13, 2020

    It sounds like a CTE program (Career Technical Education) might have been a better fit than traditional college. (IMO our current culture that tells kids they MUST go to a four-year university or risk being a loser in life is doing them no good!) Peralta Colleges have an extensive program: https://web.peralta.edu/cte/

    I know that Laney has a great program for various construction degrees and certificate programs, including Construction Management: https://web.peralta.edu/cte/career/building-construction-trades/

    Apr 13, 2020

    What about the military? It can be a good option for young people who aren’t sure about college and career.  And it will still be hiring in the midst of an economic depression, unlike most other sectors of the economy.  If he were to go to trade school or something like that, I think there’s a good chance he wouldn’t be able to find a foothold in the trade after finishing. I imagine the economy will take a few years to recover enough for relatively inexperienced people to be able to find work, more time than the likely duration of a vocational program. I’d just make sure he understands that the job market will be terrible, maybe worse than any in our lifetimes, and it only be harder for those without significant experience or educational credentials.  Serving in the military or pursuing higher education for the next few years don’t seem like bad options while the economy recovers.  

    Apr 13, 2020

  • 14 year old daughter searching for summer job

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    Jun 1, 2019

    Our 14 year old daughter is eager to find a summer job. She isn't interested in babysitting or dog waking, and would prefer retail. She has an impressive resume and strong people skills. Where in the Berkeley/Emeryville area do you suggest she look for work? Thanks in advance.

    Jun 1, 2019

    My daughter (age 19) just started a new job in retail. She mainly did google job searches and walked around to stores she liked to see if they were hiring. One thing she discovered is that almost all wanted employees to work 30-40 hours per week, which is a lot for a 14 year old (or anyone!). It is less overhead for the employer to have fewer employees, thus they would prefer employees who could work more hours. Good, long term, retail employees are hard for employers to find because $15/hour is not really a living wage around here. FYI Here is some general info from the State of California on laws and tips regarding teen workers: http://youngworkers.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/LOHP.factshee.Employ…

    Good luck.

    Jun 12, 2019

  • 16 yo daughter looking for summer job - Spanish speaking opps sought

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    Feb 20, 2019

    Hi - looking for ideas and referrals for 16 yo who is in her third year of Spanish language instruction in Berkeley USD, speaks quite well though not fluently, and wants a local summer job in a Spanish speaking environment.  She has childcare experience, is smart, friendly, engaging, and would especially enjoy/benefit from progressive cause-related work.  Thanks for any leads!

    Feb 20, 2019

    Escuela Bilingue Internacional has Spanish-language summer camps for little kids, with counselors that are native speakers.  Perhaps your daughter could play a CIT-type role there.  Likely this would have to be on a volunteer basis.

    Feb 25, 2019

  • Jobs for teens

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    Dec 22, 2018

    My 16 year old is looking to start working to make his own money. Any advice on what places hire minors?

    Dec 22, 2018

    It's seasonal work, but my son makes money refereeing soccer games on the weekends, from September through November and March or April through June.  He had to take a 9-hour class which cost $55 I think, and then buy a ref uniform.  However, some local clubs might reimburse those costs if you affiliate with their club.  Look at the East Bay United page (under  resources/referees) and at the CNRA web site for list of upcoming classes:  https://cnra.gameofficials.net/public/class/classSearch.cfm?classTypeID… .

    My son started doing this when he was 15, but I know of even younger referees.

    Dec 24, 2018

    My daughter works at RiteAid and started when she was 17 y/o. She said that they do hire 16 y/os. They seem to always be hiring people with a lot of turnover, so I would try these larger retail stores. 

    Dec 24, 2018

    There are some opportunities for 16 yo teens mentioned here on the Berkeley High career opportunity page:

    https://bhs.berkeleyschools.net/resources/college-career-center/work-op…

    Also has some good info about volunteer opportunities and career development. 

    Dec 24, 2018

  • Teenager looking for work this spring

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    Jan 22, 2018

    My 17-year-old senior at El Cerrito High is looking for a job! He's a high-achiever, takes honors and AP classes and gets excellent grades. However, his class schedule this spring is light and he wants to work, gain employment experience and save money for college.

    In college he plans to study business and engineering.

    Any advice or ideas?

    Thanks!!!

    Jan 22, 2018

    Hi, the Batteries + Bulbs store on San Pablo and Schmidt might be a good fit for his interests. He can email his resume to bp637 [at] batteriesplus.net (bp637[at]batteriesplus[dot]net). Or he can go in and take a look. He can talk to Ian, the store manager. Good luck!

    Ellen

    Jan 29, 2018

    A few ideas:

    The coffee shop Well Grounded, on Stockton, hires ECHS students.

    There are a number of afterschool tutoring places he could try: Kumon, Sylvan or Mathnasium in Albany come to mind.

    If he is in to sports, howabout working as an umpire w/ECYB or a referee with the local soccer league?

    Jan 29, 2018

    If he were my son, I would steer him to a low-skill job in retail: Busing tables, cashier or checker at Safeway, something that forces him to deal with coworkers and the public.  Many kids' social/interpersonal skills have been adversely impacted by their constant use of technology.  They don't have to go to the library and talk to the librarian to find resources.  They never have to make phone calls to get information. Much of their "time" with friends is actually virtual, not in person. As a consequence, many have difficulty with basic interpersonal skills.  A retail job will force them out of their comfort zone and to get these skills.  Even if your son is unusually comfortable with people, it is still a valuable experience to be humbled by a low-level job.  I am a firm believer that everyone should have an entry level retail job early in life -- especially if they are likely to be highly successful professionals in the future.      

    My younger son was much like your son -- great student, high achiever.  (He just graduated from Tufts with a computer science degree.)  He bused tables before college, and has repeatedly said the experience was very valuable.  He saw up close how hard some people have to work to feed their families.  He learned about the inequities in pay between kitchen staff and wait staff.  He had to deal with frustrated customers, manage conflicting demands, deal with a sometimes cantankerous boss with grace and humor.  Now, as an adult, he draws on the skills he began to develop as that kid clearing plates in the restaurant.  He is patient with people who are not at their best and he is a generous tipper -- all because he knows what it is like to be at the bottom in a service industry.  The job may not pay well, but it will pay many non-monetary dividends.      

    Jan 29, 2018

  • Need recommendations for summer work in resort for older teen

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    Feb 15, 2017

    Hi, 

    My son is graduating from high school this year. He would like to explore working in a resort somewhere this summer that offers housing and entry level jobs, like table bussing, ticket sales, rental equipment staff, etc. The idea is to work hard, live somewhat independently in a beautiful place with other young people. It's ok if the wages are low. It can be anywhere--in the states or Canada or overseas. He is bilingual (Spanish/English) at a native-speaker level.

    We would love to hear from anyone with personal experience, good or bad. Thank you!

    Feb 15, 2017

    Have him apply at our National Parks. Yosemite would be awesome but certainly not the only choice. The kids work for almost nothing but spend their free time exploring the park. It's a fantastic experience.

    I did this type of work at a ski resort many moons ago. It was the best experience ever but they don't need too many employees in the summer.

    Feb 20, 2017

Archived Q&A and Reviews

Questions

City of Berkeley Youth Works for 14 year old?

Oct 2012

My son is turning 14 in February, and I was thinking to send him to Youth Works in March to get set up for a summer job. I am concerned that he is unmotivated and left alone he would spend the summer in front of his computer for hours (we cannot afford the $500 week day camps!). Is Youth Works a good program for kids that have never held a job and are not particularly motivated or driven to do so? Has anybody had any experience with this program? anon

Just wanted to give a thumbs up on Youth Works. My son did 3 different stints there, one at BUSD, and 2 at City Hall. All were pretty mundane office type jobs, but it gave him work experience and some money in his pocket. Like everything else, persistence is key. They do take into account whether or not you've worked with them before, and will not give you an opportunity if you've just worked with them. All 3 jobs were short term, but they were all flexible in terms of vacations and time off. Mollie

No, your son has to be very motivated. That program has twice the number of applicants that they have positions for. The resume has to look good and should show paid or unpaid experience in either clerical work or work with children. Your son should show some genuine passion for wanting to work and demonstrate why he would be a good choice for the program, no matter how mundane the work might be, such as filing the whole time. In addition he must be available for two interviews and three mandatory 1-3 hour training sessions on weekends, usually called on short notice. (If you can't make it, you're out). From the application to the actual assignment, it is quite a process! These jobs are not just given to students, they basically have to earn them. My daughter worked in this program last winter when she was 14 and she enjoyed it. She is going to apply again right now. This program is a slice of real life work experience. Anonymous

Summer job for 18 year old

Jan 2012

My 18-year-old son is looking for a summer job. It could be a retail or restaurant job or as a camp counselor or something like that. He was a TA in his Hebrew school but aside from that he has no work experience. Are there any resources to help teens find summer employment or does anyone know of camps or other summer programs looking to hire a responsible teen for the summer?

If i were you i would check with cities and uc berkeley rec dept and other summer camps about counselor opportunities. His ta work could serve him well. If you would like to stay with the jewish theme check out summer camps at a jcc or at keh tov or the sleep away camp with a jewish theme (cant remember the name...is it camp tawonga?). I believe the camps are starting interviews now or soon so check web sites and call and get the status asap. Get some folks who know of his ta work to be references. Probably will be the best chance for summer work. Ideally he will lead or at least be a full partner in the search. Anon

15 year old boy looking for a summer job

June 2011

My 15 year old son, who is moving on to High School next year in Albany REALLY WANTS a part time summer job of any kind. He is extremely computer efficient and creative, however, the ''job'' can be anything. thanks! Jane

Although I can't recommend any positions a great resource to look at is the Youth Service For Change Summer Resource Guide: http://youthserviceforchange.org/summer/rs Youth Service For Change is an up and coming organization run by a 17 year old Berkeley resident, that connects teens with Bay Area non-profits for volunteering opportunities. The resource guide lists a number of organizations which offer free programs to connect teens with employment opportunities as well as a few jobs. In addition it also lists free summer internships some of which are paid. Good luck! Berkeley Mom

Summer jobs for 16-year-olds?

Jan 2006

My daughters will be looking for summer jobs, before starting their senior year at high school. A headstart seems good, but no leads at present. They live in North Oakland, not driving now but likely by summer. Ideas are welcome! Kevin

How about letting her do the work of figuring out her summer? Sounds like she has some ideas and she should pursue them - the language class, JR lifeguards. That, along w/ her evening and weekend sports activity, sounds like plenty for summer. Then the next summer when she is 16 she'll have some experience to offer a swimming program. In the past, King pool in Berkeley has taken on young people to clean the pool, check the water chemistry, work the snack shack, and then when older they become lifeguards and swimming teachers. Also, boredom isn't always a bad thing and can give us time to figure out what we really want to do. Good luck! In the same boat

Lifeguard Jobs

May 2002

Does anyone know of any lifeguard opportunities available in the East Bay for a summer job for a 17-year old? Thank you! Sally

The Berkeley YMCA often advertises jobs for lifeguards. That would be a good place to start. You could also check Strawberry Canyon and the other UC Berkeley pools (although they may have already completed their hiring for the summer). I believe the city pools (such as King pool) hire earlier in the spring, but it never hurts to ask. Also keep checking the want ads in the Daily Planet and the Daily Cal. Frances

Try the city of Berkeley. My daughter has taught swim lessons and lifeguarded at different Berkeley pools for the past 2 summers. Mary

Getting a job in Retail

March 2001 My 17 year old daughter wants to work this Summer, but not in a camp or rec. environment. Does anyone know of a place where she can look for jobs in retail or a small office situation? It would be good if she could find work in Berkeley or Oakland or even in SF if it were close to BART. Thanks, Mary

Many retail stores on Fourth Street seem always to be hiring sales staff. I know a couple of high school students who have found summer jobs on down here. Perhaps your daughter could walk down the block and check out the situation. Good luck! Suzanne

REI is always hiring cashiers. -- Toby

Summer Jobs for Teens

  • Berkeley Public Library Programs - In addition to the volunteer suggestions (see below) the Berkeley Public Library hires five high school students annually for part time work. The job is posted in August and, if interested, your student should check the library for applications. Librarian Francisca Goldsmith also suggested students check out the following activities for this summer. (May/June 1999 BHS PTSA Newsletter)

     

  • Census Taker - Seniors: Looking for a job? Call Valerie Healy at 486-5369 to find out about working as a census taker. It pays well. (from the BHS daily bulletin 2/00)

     

  • Childcare - Last summer I was able to get my daughter a job at her younger sister's preschool which was wonderful, but I know this would have been impossible if I had not know this school for so many years. -- Lynn (3/00)

     

  • City of Berkeley Youth Works program - The Youth Works program still exists but will offer competitive positions, mostly for ages 16 years and older. These jobs are the private sector component which prefers more work-ready clients. The program runs year round. Summer applications will be availabe 5/1. Kids 16 and older are invited to participate. They should go to the Youth Works office for an application and readiness assessment. Youth Works has a website located at: http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/hhs/commsvc/youth/youth.html 
      Youth Works 2055 Center Street Berkeley, CA 94704 (510) 883-6508   Telephone (510) 644-7731   Fax (510) 644-6915   TDD  Hours of Operation:  Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

     

  • Counselor in Training - see Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Programs

     

  • Jewish Vocational Services - The Avodah program of Jewish Vocational Service in San Francisco is now welcoming applications for its second year of paid summer internships for Jewish teens. Avodah interns work four days a week in various Jewish community agencies and meet one day a week as a group for a professional and personal development seminar. Participants will receive a $900 stipend for participation in the six week summer program. The Avodah program is a project of JVS, funded by a grant from the Jewish Community Endowment Fund of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties and is supported by a grant from the Jewish Community Foundation, Jewish Federation of the Greater East Bay. The program is open to students living in these regions. In addition to the summer programming, Avodah (Hebrew for work) is sponsoring a variety of workshops and events to help teens develop workplace skills and experiences such as a Career and Job Skills Fair on Jan 9, a Summer Jobs and Activities Fair on March 12, and several summer job workshops to be held during the spring season. Please contact Jenni Mangel at JVS at(415) 782-6223 or jmangel [at] jvs.org for further information. -- Deborah (Jan 2000)