How to Get Work Experience When You’ve Never Had Work Experience

Breaking into the workforce can feel overwhelming – especially when every job seems to ask for prior experience. But here’s a secret: you don’t need to wait until after high school or college to start building your resume.

There are many Career Technical Education, or CTE, programs, career technical training opportunities, and even paid internships for high school students available right now for the 2025-26 school year. These programs give you real-world skills, professional networks, and a competitive edge – before you’ve even had your first job. 

At Making Waves Education Foundation, we believe every student deserves access to hands-on learning and meaningful career exploration. If you’re a high school student in the Bay Area’s Contra Costa County, we have several programs designed to help you gain the experience employers are looking for, without needing any prior work background. 

Making Waves programs for high schoolers to help you get work experience 

All the Making Waves programs below are free and open to high school students in the Bay Area’s Contra Costa County. Whether you’re exploring healthcare, building soft skills, or looking for programs that are like paid internships or apprenticeships, there’s an opportunity for you. Plus, there are no GPA or experience requirements! 

Career Spark 

• Who: 9th–10th grade high school students 

• What: A three-day immersive program with mentorship, networking skill-building, and a career rair where you’ll practice making connections

• When: November 6-8, 2025 

• Where: Community Youth Center, 2241 Galaxy Ct, Concord, CA 94520 

• Cost: Free 

• Deadline: October 8, 2025 

HealthX Fellowship 

• Who: 10th–11th grade high schools students 

• What: A six-month afterschool program with exposure to high-demand healthcare careers, mentorship, site visits, and Basic Life Support certification. Includes a $1,000 stipend. 

• When: December 2025 – April 2026 (Wednesdays after school + monthly Saturdays) 

• Where: Richmond, CA + site visits across Contra Costa County 

• Deadline: Priority deadline September 19, 2025; Final deadline October 15, 2025 

Pathways to Health 

• Who: 10th–11th grade high school students 

• What: A four-day immersive program with hands-on healthcare challenges, professional connections, and a $400 stipend. Transportation is provided. 

• When: January 21–24, 2026 

• Where: Community Youth Center in Concord + Kaiser School of Allied Health Sciences in Richmond 

• Deadline: Priority deadline November 12, 2025; Final deadline December 10, 2025 

Why start career training in high school? 

These programs aren’t just about filling time; they’re about launching your future! Participating in career programs for high school students offers: 

• Work experience without needing prior jobs 

• Mentorship and networking that build your social capital and lead to future job opportunities 

• Certifications and credentials (like Basic Life Support) that strengthen your résumé 

• Paid opportunities and stipends, making programs more accessible 

• Exposure to in-demand and high-paying industries like healthcare, technology, and business 

What are additional ways to gain work experience in high school? 

Even if you don’t join a Making Waves program, there are plenty of ways to build skills and gain real-world exposure: 

• Volunteer work: Hospitals, libraries, and nonprofits often welcome high school student volunteers. 

• Job shadowing: Ask a family member, teacher, or mentor if you can shadow them at work for a day. 

• Youth internships and summer programs: Here are a few resources for looking for work experience: find jobs and salary information on Indeed; search student jobs on LinkedIn; consider California’s Youth Employment Opportunity Program; find hands-on opportunities or volunteer roles through California Volunteers; search entry level jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities on Making Waves’ job board for students.

• Career Technical Education, or CTE, pathways at your school: Many high schools offer specialized courses in fields like engineering, IT, and health sciences. 

• Community college dual enrollment: Some schools allow you to earn college credits – and career skills – while still in high school. 

Is it possible to get a job without full-time work experience? 

Yes! Getting work experience when you’ve never had a job is possible, and it starts with career technical training programs, internships, and work-based, hands-on learning opportunities.  

Whether you choose Career Spark, HealthX Fellowship, Pathways to Health, or another pathway, you’re building a robust resume, exploring career options, and making it much easier to land a full-time job in your future. 

If you’re a Contra Costa County student, don’t wait – apply for a Making Waves program today and start gaining the experience that will set you apart and set you up for success!  

Which Making Waves career program is for me?  

Note: ALL of these Making Waves career programs are for Contra Costa County high school students. One is open to first years and sophomores and two are open to juniors and seniors.

How do I know if my town or city is in Contra Costa County? 

These three Making Waves programs are open to high schools students who reside in or attend school in the Bay Area’s Contra Costa County, which includes the following cities and towns. 

More career resources