Exploring your career options

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Looking for help?

Explore

Find out which careers and employers are in demand and available right out of high school.

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Prepare

Explore CTE courses, local internships, apprenticeships and job opportunities.

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Apply

Ready to apply? Find out how to master the job application process!

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Xello

Xello helps you learn about careers that match your interests and education plans.

Find a career

Explore

It is possible to start a career right out of high school with specific training and/or with a company that provides on-the-job training and career advancement opportunities. There are many careers and local employers in manufacturing, skilled trades and information technology that pay great wages and benefits!

Websites to visit

Find local jobs using Google Pathways

Search for local in demand careers

Learn more about apprenticeships

Apprenticeship guide and listings for Southwest Washington

Day at work videos

What you need to know and do

The Portland/Vancouver area is lucky to have many companies that hire youth straight out of high school and provide tuition assistance for attending local colleges, providing opportunities to get college paid for while advancing skills and knowledge.
Use the search feature in Xello to find careers that require a high school diploma within the range of salary you are hoping to earn.

Prepare

To be best prepared for entering the workforce right out of high school, take advantage of career and technical education classes that specifically train you for a career, and be sure to participate in internships, company tours and other opportunities to network with employers.

Career and Technical Education (CTE)

Cascadia Tech Academy

WA Career Paths

VPS magnet programs

Downloadable resources

Career and Technical Education Pathways

What you need to know and do

Your career center may offer opportunities to meet representatives from local businesses, participate in practice interviews and learn more about career opportunities. Students will create their first resume in their 11th grade English class as part of their High School and Beyond Plan.
VPS offers many career and technical magnet programs in our high schools. Career-focused training courses are also offered at Cascadia Tech Academy and transportation is provided for students.
Take advantage of paid internships, work experience or pre-apprenticeship opportunities that may increase your readiness to launch your career after high school.

Apply

Get ready to land that job! Create a strong resume that summarizes your career dreams, skills, abilities and attributes, and then polish your interview skills. Employers want to hire someone who has a strong work ethic, desire to learn and is well-prepared for the job.

Washington State Department of Labor & Industries

Free resume builder

Oregon Labor & Industries Apprenticeship search

Find support at Next!

What you need to know and do

Stop by the career center at your school to get started on your job applications! There are many resources in person and online to support your job search.
Attend local career fairs to meet employers who are hiring.
Most companies advertise for open positions online, and there are many resources to help you find current job openings and opportunities.