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Manufacturers Council of the Central Valley

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Forget the outdated stereotypes.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.

Internship 101

Most internships are paid. Many include tuition help, free housing, or direct pathways to full-time jobs.

Apprenticeships are full-time work while taking college classes — with possible free classes.

No experience required for most programs. Employers are actively recruiting local talent.
North Valley Manufacturing Summit

Find Your Fit — Browse by Where You Are Now and Plan Ahead

Why Internships?

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.

For High School Students

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

Just Graduated? These Programs Are Built for You.

For Recent High School Graduates

Program / Employer Focus Duration Pay / Additional Benefits Apply / Contact
Digital Nest Marketing and Advertising [Check for openings — typically opens March] Unpaid 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
Morningstar 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

In College? Build Experience That Moves You Forward.

For College Students

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 — around $27/hour Ongoing until filled. Go to careers.sf.gov, search keyword “Moccasin” for Public Service Aide — SFPUC Internship
MJC Farm Agriculture [Check with MJC for current term] Free housing offered Contact MJC School of Agriculture
Modesto Junior College MJC School of Agriculture Intern Program Fall/Spring: one year (apply Jan–Apr). Summer: May–Aug (apply Feb–Mar). Fall/Spring: unpaid, free housing. Summer: sometimes 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

Why Apprenticeships?

Full-time work from day one while taking relevant classes — with possible free classes.

College and employer work together to make sure you learn industry-specific skills.

Over 30 occupations have been approved through state and federal programs.

Employers can start new apprenticeships easily with community college partners when classes are available.

Earn While You Learn — Apprenticeships Combine Work and School.

Apprenticeships

Program / Employer Focus Duration Pay / Additional Benefits Apply / Contact
Merced College Cybersecurity and IT Support Technician Ongoing Employer-paid training + college classes (online or in-person) Contact Autumn Gardia at autumn.gardia@mccd.edu
Modesto Junior College Production Technician Ongoing Employer-paid training + MJC classes Contact Berlina Napoleon at napoleonb@yosemite.edu
San Joaquin Delta College Mechatronics Apprenticeship Program Ongoing Employer-paid training + Delta College classes Contact Lolita Mondragon at lolita.mondragon@deltacollege.edu
Stanislaus County Area Manufacturing and Maintenance Joint Apprenticeship Committee Electrician Maintenance, Electro-Mechanic, Machinist, Packaging Technician, Maintenance Machinist, Calibration, Instrumentation Technician Ongoing Employer-paid training + MJC classes mjc.edu/it/apprenticeships.html

Ready to Start Your Manufacturing Career?

These are real opportunities with real employers who are investing in Central Valley talent right now.

Last updated September 2026. Have a program to add? Email Stacey@mccv.org

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