Workforce Innovation

NOVA Service

NOVA Youth Employment Office

NOVA’s Youth@Work program links youth seeking employment opportunities with companies that are hiring throughout Santa Clara County. It provides personalized employment assistance and job listings, as well as an information-rich environment for youth to learn about career options. All services are free to both youth and employer.

Within Silicon Valley, many companies have entry-level, temporary, or part-time positions appropriate for youth applicants. Job descriptions for these positions are listed on the Youth@Work website, but employers’ names are not revealed online. Once youth attend a pre-employment workshop, which teaches interested youth to get and keep a job, a counselor meets with each job seeker to provide additional assistance and ensure an appropriate referral to the employer. Youth interested in Youth@Work can visit www.youthatwork.org and review the job listings. Once they have a few jobs of interest, they can contact the NOVA Youth Employment Office to sign up for a pre-employment workshop and to schedule an appointment with a career advisor.

For employers, listing jobs on Youth@Work is hassle-free, providing easy access to job candidates and eliminating advertising or recruiting costs. Youth@Work ensures that only the most-qualified, pre-screened youth are sent to the employer. Upon submittal of a job listing, NOVA staff will follow up with a phone call to ensure the legitimacy of the position and to address any questions or concerns. In addition to paid job listings, companies may also list internships, apprenticeships, and volunteer or mentoring opportunities.

NOVA’s youth services also offer additional support to teens between the ages of 16 and 21 who are in need of guidance and meet basic eligibility criteria. NOVA assists youth in making and meeting career and educational goals with the assistance of a career advisor, who provides individualized coaching.

To find out more about NOVA’s services for youth or to list a job opening on the Youth@Work website, please contact NOVA’s Youth Employment Office at 408-730-7640 or visit www.novaworks.org/youth/.