Discover What Manufacturing Can Be — Right Here in the Valley
Forget the outdated stereotypes. Today’s manufacturing blends hands-on skill with high-tech robotics, precision work, smart logistics, and digital design and prototyping.
Find paid summer internships built specifically for Central Valley students.
Hands-on skills. High-tech careers.
Why internships?
Internships help you explore careers, build experience, and meet local employers.
Explore areas of interest before committing to a career path.
See if a job fits your expectations and daily lifestyle.
Learn how a manufacturing workplace functions and what kind of daily work takes place.
Build connections with local employers actively investing in youth.
See what the work is really like.
For High School Students
Start with summer internships, work experience, and career-connected programs.
| Program / Employer | Focus | Duration | Pay / Additional Benefits | Apply / Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gallo Cultivate Internship | Interests are gathered and matched to opportunities | 10 weeks in the summer (apply prior to summer) | Paid + tuition reimbursement | Speak to your career counselor or email cultivate@ejgallo.com |
| Gallo Manufacturing Internship Program | Manufacturing operations and supply chain | Spring Semester (gateway program starts Jan/Feb) | Paid | Connect with your Career Navigator at your high school. Complete afterschool program to be eligible. Apply at gallocareers.com |
| Prospero Merced County | 16-21 Youth Work Experience (WEX) | 100 hours part-time with flexible schedule | Paid | Call (209) 724-2100. Apply early in the funding cycle (July 1 – June 30). |
| San Joaquin A+ | CTE Pathways in Engineering and Manufacturing | 6 weeks in the summer (apply around Feb 14-28) | Paid | sjaplus.org |
| Stanislaus Workforce Development | In-School Youth enrolled before graduation | Starting in June for the summer | Paid | Applications open Feb/March. stanworkforce.com/youth |
For Recent High School Graduates
Keep building experience while you explore your next step.
| Program / Employer | Focus | Duration | Pay / Additional Benefits | Apply / Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Nest | Marketing and Advertising | [Check for openings — typically opens March] | Paid | www.digitalnest.org |
| Empower Program — MCOE / Prospero Merced | 16-21 out-of-school youth facing barriers to employment | Up to 200 hours | Paid | Ongoing. mcoe.org/empower |
| Fastenal | Warehouse / Supply Chain | 10 weeks (open for 2 weeks only) | Paid; potential full-time hire after | Apply at fastenal.com using the district manager’s custom link |
| Merced Irrigation District | Engineering, Water, Park Aide | Summer / year-round | Paid | Ongoing. mercedid.org |
| Morning Star Tomato Company | Industrial Maintenance and Engineering | June – Late October (Tomato Processing Season) | Paid | Open Feb–June. Send resume to Joe Bauer at jbauer@morningstarco.com . Must be 18+. |
| Tesla Manufacturing Development Program (MDP) | Manufacturing for recent grads without prior experience | 1 semester — 16 weeks at San Joaquin Delta College | Paid + possible free classes | Ongoing. Search Tesla careers or contact Andrew Treydte at atreydte@tesla.com |
| Turlock Irrigation District | Engineering, IT, Water Operations, Accounting, Communications, GIS | Summer | Paid | Apply Jan–March at governmentjobs.com/turlockid |
Manufacturing is more than machines.
For College Students
Build practical experience alongside your education.
| Program / Employer | Focus | Duration | Pay / Additional Benefits | Apply / Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hetch Hetchy Water and Power — Moccasin, CA | Water, Energy, Electronics | 1,040 hours total (part-time during school year, full-time summer — flexible) | Paid | Ongoing until filled. Go to careers.sf.gov , search keyword “Moccasin” for Public Service Aide — SFPUC Internship |
| MJC School of Ag ~ Beckwith | 2 positions Agriculture Crop Science | Fall/Spring: one year (apply Jan–Apr). Summer: May–Aug (apply Feb–Mar). | Hours of work in exchange for housing and utilities paid | Contact MJC School of Agriculture |
| MJC School of Ag | 26 positions over 7 Livestock units, Ag Mech, Nursery, Ag Office, West Tech | Fall/Spring: one year (apply Jan–Apr). Summer: May–Aug (apply Feb–Mar). | Hours of work in exchange for housing and utilities paid | Minimum 12 hrs/week required. mjc.edu/ag/jobs.html |
| San Joaquin Delta College Manteca Farm Internship | Small ruminant experience; care and maintenance of livestock; tractor work, irrigation | August–June (apply Aug 15–31) | Free housing or paid option | House holds up to 3 live-in interns. Must complete 12 hrs/week, maintain 2.5 GPA, and be an agriculture major. |
| Stanislaus Workforce Development | In-School Youth enrolled before graduation | Starting in June for the summer | Paid | Applications open Feb/March. stanworkforce.com/youth |
Learn from people already doing the work.
Why apprenticeships?
Combine paid work, structured learning, and industry experience.
Full-time work from day one while taking relevant classes — with possible free classes.
Classroom instruction and employer work together to make sure you learn industry-specific skills.
Employers can start new apprenticeships easily with community college partners when classes are available.