Get Involved in Work

Why Getting Work Experience in High School Matters

Work experience isn t just about money it s about building skills, exploring careers, and finding out what you like (or don t like!) before graduation.

Benefits for you and your family

Learn what jobs are really like in the real world

Try out different career paths before college or training

Connect classroom learning with real jobs

Gain confidence and workplace skills

Build a resume and references for the future

Ways to Get Involved in Work While You re in School

There are lots of ways to explore work while still a student some are paid, some aren t, but all give real experience.

Job Shadowing

See work up close.

What it is
Spend a day or part of a day following someone in a job to see what they do.
Why it’s a good idea
It’s a low‑pressure way to explore jobs you’re curious about. Learn more about job shadowing and why it matters in the PA Work‑Based Learning Toolkit.
Example Program
JA Job Shadow – Career exploration and job shadow experiences for high school students through activities and site visits.

Ask your school counselor or vocational rehabilitation counselor about job shadow opportunities.

Explore Job Shadow Programs

Internships

Learn Through Doing.

What it is
A structured work experience where you can work on real tasks and projects.
Why it’s a good idea
You get hands‑on experience and sometimes even earn a paycheck.
Example Program
Some employers in Pennsylvania offer high school internships — public and private sector — that you can explore with help from your school or community partners.

Talk to your school counselor or OVR counselor about local internship listings.

Explore Internships

Paid Youth Work Experience through PA OVR Pre Employment Transition Services

PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) offers Pre Employment Transition Services (Pre ETS) for students with disabilities ages 14–21 to help them connect school learning with real work experience. One key part of Pre ETS is work based learning including paid work experiences that let youth earn money while building workplace skills and confidence.

PA OVR MY Work Paid Work Experience

Paid summer jobs where students can work in local communities and earn a paycheck.
paycheck. Builds real work skills like communication, teamwork, time management, and workplace expectations.
workplace expectations. Helps students explore different career interests and see how work connects to what they learn in school.
OVR partners with municipalities, nonprofits, and other community providers to place students in meaningful jobs.

Search for youth work programs in your area, like WorkReady or local summer job initiatives.

Other Work‐Based Learning Options Through Pre ETS

Paid Work Experience (PWE)

Some Pre‐ETS providers arrange paid work opportunities with community employers so students can learn important job skills and get paid for real work.

Job Shadowing and Workplace Tours

While not always paid, job shadowing lets students visit workplaces and watch employees do their jobs a great way to explore careers before committing to a paid work experience.

Work‐Based Skills Training

Workplace readiness training and career exploration are also part of Pre‐ETS, so students learn what to expect before they start a job.

How Schools Help You Get Work Experience

Work‐Based Learning Through Schools

Some Pennsylvania high schools have work‐based learning coordinators who can connect you with internships, job shadows, and apprenticeships. Work‐based learning experiences may even count toward graduation requirements.

Meet with your school counselor or CTE instructor to ask about work‐based learning options.

Transition Skills for Adulthood

Gain vital tools and information for navigating healthcare, managing finances, living independently, and advocating for yourself. Prepare for a fulfilling adult life with confidence.

Explore CTE classes at your school to earn credit and get job experience.

Tips for Families to Support Youth in Work Exploration

Talk About Interests

Ask questions like:

“What kind of work sounds exciting to you?”
“Do you want to learn more about jobs before choosing a career or college path?”

Set aside time this week for a career chat with your student.

Help with Networking

Encourage youth to reach out to:

Family friends or neighbors for job shadow or internship openings
Local employers willing to host a student for a day
School career contacts

Help them create a simple email or phone script to request shadow or internship opportunities.

Support Applications and Planning

Parents and guardians can help with:

Proofreading applications and resumes
Getting signatures or clearances needed for work programs
Helping students keep track of deadlines

Create a shared calendar of career opportunity deadlines.

Where to Find More Resources

PA Work‐Based Learning Toolkit

A guide to job shadowing, internships, and work experience opportunities.

Toolkit (PDF)

JA Job Shadow®

Career exploration and job shadow program for high school students. Junior Achievement Job Shadow

Junior Achievement Job Shadow

PA CareerLink® Apprenticeship Listings

Explore apprenticeship and pre‑apprenticeship opportunities. PA CareerLink Apprenticeships

PA CareerLink Apprenticeships

Remember: There’s no one right way to start building work skills. What matters most is taking the first step — whether it’s a job shadow, internship, apprenticeship, or paid experience.

Each experience brings you closer to your future goals.