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It’s becoming increasingly difficult for teenagers in California to gain real-world work experience. Parents across the state share similar stories: their teens are struggling to land even the most common entry-level jobs in fast food, retail, or grocery stores. So, what’s going on?
A big part of the problem is California’s steadily increasing minimum wage. For businesses, hiring teenagers often isn’t worth the investment. Teenagers usually start with little to no experience, which means companies need to spend extra time and money on training. But businesses also know most teens aren’t sticking around for long—summer ends, high school finishes, and they move on.
Combine that with the fact that teenagers have limited availability due to school, homework, and extracurriculars, and it’s easy to see why many employers prefer hiring adults who can work more hours and require less hand-holding. Businesses also expect a certain level of work quality, and while teens are still learning, they’re not always meeting those expectations.
The result? Teen job applications often end up at the bottom of the pile, leaving them without the experience they need to build confidence, learn responsibility, and grow into the workforce.
Even when teens do land a job, they’re usually working in service-based roles. While these jobs teach valuable skills like customer service and punctuality, they don’t often expose teens to the technology shaping today’s world. And let’s face it: technology is here to stay, and it’s advancing fast. Teens who want to stand out in the future need to understand how to work with it.
That’s where co-ops come in. A co-op is a simulated working environment where teens gain hands-on experience on real projects, often with a focus on technology. Instead of flipping burgers or stocking shelves, they learn skills like project management, problem-solving, and using modern tech tools. These aren’t just random assignments—they’re practical, meaningful tasks that teach teens how to create value and take ownership of their work.
Through co-ops, teenagers get the chance to develop confidence. Confidence doesn’t come from reading about something in a textbook; it comes from actually doing the work, solving problems, and stepping up as a leader. Whether they’re preparing for college, entering the workforce, or joining a club, these experiences make teens the kind of people who say, “I’ve got this,” when challenges arise.
At Starter School, we’ve built co-ops designed to bridge the gap between traditional jobs and the skills teens really need. We partner with company executives to create programs that give students exposure to real-world scenarios, helping them develop leadership, creativity, and technical skills.
If you’re looking for a way to help your teen get ahead, explore the co-op options on our curriculum page. Each co-op is tailored to teach valuable skills while giving your teen the experience they need to succeed. Check it out and find the right fit for your teenager.
Help your child learn how to become a stronger problem-solver using the newest A.I. tools & tech they don't learn about at school. Enroll your child into the Tech Work Experience today.