Work Experience Internship
Host Emerging Talent. Grow Your Business. Build the Future.
If you have any questions, contact Nathan Kieu, Business Services Manager
today to set up a consultation.
nathan.kieu@santacruzcountyca.gov | 831-763-8872
Work Experience Internships & Job Shadowing for Employers
The Work Experience Internship (WEX) & Job Shadowing Program, in partnership with Sueños, connects local businesses with motivated, job-ready young professionals—at no cost to you.
This program helps businesses increase capacity while preparing youth for long-term careers. Whether you need interns to support daily operations or want to introduce youth to your industry, we make it easy to participate.
Why Participate?
- Boost Productivity – Gain extra support for daily tasks while helping youth gain job skills.
- No Cost to You – We fully cover wages, insurance, and program costs.
- Train Future Talent – Interns gain real experience and could become your next great hire.
- Flexible & Low Commitment – Choose a paid intern (150-250 hours) or a short-term job shadowing experience.
- Support Your Community – Help local youth gain career confidence and develop a skilled workforce.
- Workforce Santa Cruz County or its partners serve as the employer of record, handling payroll, insurance, and compliance on behalf of the host site.
- For youth under 18, our team handles required work permits directly with the participant and host site, simplifying the process for employers.
How Are Interns Prepared for the Workplace?
Interns come from Sueños, which provides job readiness training before placement. They receive:
✅ Customer service & workplace safety
✅ Labor laws & employee rights
✅ Workplace ethics & professionalism
✅ Communication skills & teamwork
✅ Job interview preparation & resume building
By the time they start working, they are prepared with foundational workplace skills to contribute effectively.
Two Ways to Get Involved
1. Paid Work Experience Internships (150-250 Hours)
- No cost to you – We pay the intern’s wages, insurance, and provide program support.
- Interns work 150 hours (in-school youth) or 250 hours (out-of-school youth).
- Before paid work begins, interns complete 20 hours of unpaid work experience for employer & intern evaluation.
- Interns can work up to 20 hours per week.
2. Job Shadowing (Short-Term, Flexible Experience)
- No cost, no long-term commitment – youth observe real workplaces to explore careers.
- Interns can participate in up to four job shadowing experiences.
- Employers choose the timeframe, typically a few hours per session.
- Interns may be eligible to receive a paid stipend through our program.
Employer Expectations
For Internships:
✔ Provide entry-level tasks that develop job skills.
✔ Offer mentorship & supervision during the placement.
✔ Participate in bi-weekly or monthly check-ins with program staff.
✔ Interns cannot replace laid-off employees.
For Job Shadowing:
✔ Allow interns to observe & ask questions.
✔ Give a brief overview of your business & industry.
✔ Flexible time commitment—sessions are typically a few hours.
Who Can Host Interns?
✔ Any business in Santa Cruz County
✔ Industries include:
- Retail & Customer Service – Cash handling, customer service
- Hospitality & Food Service – Front desk, food prep, event assistance
- Healthcare & Wellness – Patient intake, office support
- Office Administration – Clerical work, data entry
- Technology & IT – Digital marketing, help desk support
- Manufacturing & Trades – Warehouse, inventory
- Nonprofits – Outreach, event planning
Not sure if your business is a fit? Contact us—we can customize an internship experience for you.
How It Works
1️⃣ Sign Up – We help you complete a simple Worksite Agreement.
2️⃣ Get Matched – You interview & select an intern.
3️⃣ Internship or Job Shadowing Begins – We cover all wages & costs.
4️⃣ Check-Ins & Wrap-Up – We provide ongoing support throughout the program.
Employer Testimonials
Get Started Today
Contact Nathan Kieu, Business Services Manager
nathan.kieu@santacruzcountyca.gov | 831-763-8872
Sign up today and help shape the future workforce of Santa Cruz County!