Work Based Learning for High School Students

Internships, Youth Apprenticeship, and Youth Employment Opportunities

Opportunities posted here are primarily for high school students in grades 9-12. Opportunities that are exclusively offered to graduating high school Seniors and graduates are found here

(READVERTISEMENT) Exclusive Opportunity for FCPS High School Students! FCPS Student Pilot Program with Coursera

The Department of Information Technology still has a limited number of seats available for the Student Pilot Program in collaboration with Coursera's Career Academy. The program is FREE for all interested FCPS high school students and provides participants with the opportunity to explore over 29 Professional Certificates offered by the industry's leading global companies.

3 Easy Steps to Join Program:

Step 1: Complete this form: Coursera Student Interest Form.

Step 2: Your parent/guardian will be notified and asked for permission for you to access Coursera.

Step 3: Once parental/guardian permission is received, your free Coursera account will be created.

Here's what you can expect after joining this program:

🚀 Explore Career Paths: Dive into sought-after digital professions, from Cybersecurity Analyst to Data Science Analyst.

🌟 Learn from Industry Titans: Gain invaluable insights from experts at companies such as Google, Meta, Microsoft, and IBM, learning directly from the best in the business.

🏆 Earn Valuable Micro-Credentials: Acquire industry-recognized micro-credentials that can open doors to exciting opportunities in the digital landscape.

📃 Access 29+ Professional Certificates: Get full access to an extensive array of professional certificates that could redefine your future career trajectory.

Please note: These courses are not VDOE recognized industry credentials and do not contribute to high school graduation requirements. This limited pilot program operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. Act quickly to secure your spot!

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Program Manager, Scott Simmons at @email

Helpful Hints for Students 

When researching student internships and opportunities be sure to read the descriptions carefully to be sure they are for high school students. If you find an internship of interest to you but are not certain if you qualify for it, please reach out to the Edison Academy Career Experience Specialist (or your teacher or Academy support team member) to have them help you review the opportunity to determine your eligibility.  Many internships have requirements or qualifications that must be met to apply such as citizenship, age, course of study you are engaged in, and others.   

If you need help with developing your resume or help with creating a cover letter to introduce yourself to apply for opportunities, or even help with preparing yourself to be the best candidate in an interview, reach out to the Edison Academy Career Experience Specialist, Tisa Frederick in the Edison Academy office or check out the resources in the Edison High School Academy Course in Schoology.  

Student Employment Opportunities 

Greenspring - An Erickson Community (on-going)

Greenspring Senior Living Community offers job opportunities in a variety of areas including; dining services, health services, general services, resident services, information technology, and through the Erickson Health Management Group. Find current part-time job opportunities at their Springfield, VA location here. 

Interested students should contact [email protected] (Human Resources). For opportunities in dining services students may also reach out to [email protected] (Executive Chef III). 

Erickson Senior Living is a national network of managed communities devoted to the mission of helping people live better lives. They offer a work and social environment beyond the traditional office or work setting; with multiple dining choices, health and wellness facilities, and more. Erickson Senior Living serves 27,000 residents with more than 14,000 employees in 11 states across the US.

Student Internships, Fellowships, & Specialized Programs

Below are student internships and enrichment opportunities!  Be sure to look for Work-based learning and enrichment opportunities in Student Naviance also. Plus many opportunities are also posted on the Career Events and Opportunities page.  

Google Internships 

Visit Google Internships to learn about internships opportunities at Google. 

Geosciences Bridge Program

Visit Geosciences Bridge Program  to learn about their 6 week paid internships.  

Visit Microsoft Discvoery Program  to learn about their high school opportunities. 

Mitre Student Programs 

Go here to explore Mitre.org - Student Programs

NASA Internship Programs in STEM 

Check out the NASA Office of STEM Engagement Internship opportunities. 

National Security Agency 

Visit NSA Student Programs to learn about their programs for students.   

Smithsonian Institute - Fellowships and Internships 

Smithsonian Institute - Information for Prospective Interns

Virtual Internship with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center 

The Intern Group International Opportunities 

The Intern Group - Internships Abroa (Note: this program requires students/graduates to pay fees to participate) 

US Government Pathways Internships

US Government Pathways Internships  (use this link to find multiple opportunities with US government agencies, may be paid or volunteer) 

Virginia Tire and Auto Youth Registered Apprenticeships

Virginia Tire & Auto is seeking a Youth Registered Apprentice for our Bristow, Cascades or South Riding location who is passionate about working on cars and who will thrive in a high-volume, fast-paced environment. Our modern automotive shops are filled with the latest tools and technologies, giving the student the opportunity to grow and learn. Students will be paid $11/hour.
Eligibility:
•Current senior enrolled in a high school auto tech program
•Valid driver’s license
•17+ years of age
•Early work release from school and available to work Saturdays
•Letter of recommendation from auto tech teacher

Position Overview includes the following: 

Hands-On Experience

  • Complete Vehicle Condition Reports (VCR) with technicians
  • Look up scheduled maintenance for vehicles and note on VCR
  • Reset basic maintenance lights
  • Check tire pressure and lights
  • Print oil change stickers
  • Vacuum cars, put in water bottles and wipe down vehicles
  • Clean windshields (outside)
  • Deliver parts from Production Manager to Techs
  • Shadow Techs as workflow permits

Shop Organization

  • Pull tires for tickets and label with Sales Order
  • Put away tires
  • Put seat covers and floor mats in vehicles
  • Load VCRs into pouches

Shop Maintenance

  • Collect scrap metal
  • Empty trash
  • Sweep and mop floors

To apply, please send a resume and teacher recommendation to Marquis Perez at 571.282.2908 or [email protected] 

Disclaimer: Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.

Youth Registered Apprenticeships (YRA) 

Students may have an opportunity to work for a sponsoring employer as a youth apprentice to gain on-the-job work experience while studying in a level 2 or level 3 trades class and completing their academic high school classes for graduation. Apprentices may continue in the occupation as adult apprentices with the same or a different employer after high school graduation. Contact your course instructor or the Academy's Career Experience Specialist, Tisa Frederick  if you have a work opportunity that you believe may qualify you for a YRA opportunity.  

To become a Youth Registered Apprentice students must: 

Be enrolled in an Edison Academy level 2 or level 3 class in Automotive Technology, Carpentry, Construction Technology, Electrical Construction and Engineering, or the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program and have an employer in a related field of work who wishes to sponsor them for youth apprenticeship.

Other specific requirements are determined by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (VDOLI). Students may gain credit for their high school related technical instruction in the Career and Technical Education high school trades program and earn credit for on-the-job training with their sponsoring employer.  

Apprenticeship Course for High School Course Credit 

Students who have a sponsoring employer who has agreed to register and employ them in an apprentice position may take the FCPS Apprenticeship Course, 984100 and receive course credit in addition to their enrolled CTE course credit if all conditions of the Youth Apprenticeship are satisfied. Academy students who want more information should reach out to the Academy Career Experience Specialist, Tisa Frederick.

Employers and Organizations

Do you want your organization's internship, youth apprenticeship, or other part-time work experience opportunities for high school students listed here?  Contact the Edison Academy Career Experience Specialist, Tisa Frederick