Career Hub
Whitney High School’s College and Career Center's "Career Hub" is your go-to resource for exploring job opportunities, internships, and career pathways. Find guidance on obtaining a work permit and discover ways to gain real-world experience while still in high school. Start here, whether you're preparing for a career or planning your next steps.
Obtaining a Work Permit
Obtaining a Work Permit
During the School Year
Work Permit Requirements for Students Under 18:
In accordance with state and federal law, all students under the age of 18 must have a valid work permit to be employed—including during school vacations and summer break (students 18 years of age or older are not required to have a Work Permit). Additionally, all work permits must be renewed at the beginning of each school year.
Per California Education Code 49164, students must meet specific academic and behavioral standards to be eligible for a work permit. This includes:
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No more than two (2) “No Marks” on the most recent quarter or semester report card.
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Satisfactory attendance and discipline records, verified and signed by school administration.
If a student does not meet these requirements, they and/or their parent/guardian may request a review with administration. In some cases, a probationary work permit may be granted at the school’s discretion.
Steps to Obtain a Work Permit:
1. Get the Application
Pick up a green Work Permit Application outside the College and Career Center, or click here to print the application. Fill out all required sections, including:
Pick up a green Work Permit Application outside the College and Career Center, or click here to print the application. Fill out all required sections, including:
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Student information and Social Security number
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Parent/guardian signature
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Employer information and signature
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Important: All signatures must be original, ink signatures as required by state law.
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2. Submit the Completed Application
Bring the original application with ink signatures to the College and Career Center. Processing may take up to two school days. Once completed, students can pick up their work permit during Break, PAWS, or Lunch.
Note: The student must be present to pick up the permit, as their ink signature is required at the time of issuance.
Bring the original application with ink signatures to the College and Career Center. Processing may take up to two school days. Once completed, students can pick up their work permit during Break, PAWS, or Lunch.
Note: The student must be present to pick up the permit, as their ink signature is required at the time of issuance.
3. Provide the Permit to Your Employer
Work permits are valid for up to one year and expire each August, regardless of when the permit was originally issued.
Work permits are valid for up to one year and expire each August, regardless of when the permit was originally issued.
Additional Information:
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Work permits may be revoked at any time if a student’s grades, attendance, or graduation progress fall below required standards.
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Students cannot receive a work permit if they are classified as an “independent contractor.” Work permits are only issued when an employer is formally hiring the minor and accepting responsibility for them as an employee.
If you have questions about work permits, please contact Mrs. Bonnell at bbonnell@rocklinusd.org.
During School Breaks
Please call the school's front office first to see if it is open. If not, please call the Rocklin Unified School District (RUSD) office at (916) 624-2428 to find out their availability. You are welcome to get a Work Permit at the District Office when Whitney High School is closed and the District Office is open. Please plan accordingly.
Career and Internship Opportunities
Need a standout resume for a summer job? Or want to get a head start on applications for college, trade school, internships, or scholarships? You're in luck! Click Resume Workshop for help with how to showcase your strengths and make a great first impression.
The trades are hands-on careers that involve building, creating, and fixing things that keep our communities running. From construction, plumbing, and electrical work to welding, HVAC, automotive repair, and more—skilled trade jobs offer excellent pay, job security, and opportunities to grow without the need for a traditional four-year college degree. At our high school, students can explore the trades through career and technical education (CTE) programs that prepare them for real-world success right after graduation or through apprenticeships and continued training.
Resources:
Career and Internship Opportunities
Career/Internship Exploration
Career exploration in high school helps students discover their interests, strengths, and potential career paths through hands-on experiences, coursework, and guidance. By exploring a wide range of industries and professions, students can make informed decisions about their future education and career goals. Whether through internships, job shadowing, guest speakers, or career-focused classes, our school is committed to supporting students as they plan for life beyond graduation.
- Slide Presentations:
- Career Speaker Series: Each school year, the Whitney High School College & Career Center offers a Career Speaker Series where different organizations come and share what a career with their organization or industry looks like. Students should stop by the College & Career Center to puck up a pass for their teacher to sign and brought back when entering the speaker session.
- Stay tuned for more information on the 2025-26 Career Speaker Series!
- Explore Your Interests, Skills, and Values
- Career Exploration Opportunities Outside of High School
- Coding For Medicine
- TurnUp: Civics and Activism Remote Internship
- The Summit STEM Fellowship
- Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
- The California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA)
- UC Davis Young Scholars Program:
- Ascend Berkeley Stock Pitch Competition 2025
- The Nature Conservancy
- Gold Country Wildlife rescue
- Volunteer with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- Soil Born Farms
- U.S. Department of Agriculture: Natural Resources Conservation Service
- Heavy Metal Summer Experience
- Construction Industry Educational Foundation Summer Camp
- STEM/Engineering/Construction Camp
- Headwater Science Institute: Summer Research Experience
- Child Mind Institute: Youth Mental Health Academy
- The Placer County Youth Commission
- U.S. Senate Youth Program
- Sacramento ACT: Become a leader
- Stanford Summer Youth Program
- The Placer County Criminal Justice Pathway
- Living Labs: MIRIDAE: Native Plants & Arthropods
- UC Environmental Stewards
- UC Davis School of Education: Center for Community and Citizen Science
- Citizenscience.gov
- EJCW: Environmental Justice Opportunities
- Science Research: Invertebrates for Xerces Society/Community Science
- 20 Citizen Science Projects
- Center for Regional Change
- Bank of America's Student Leaders Program
- 2025 SAME National Engineering and Construction Camp
- Construction Industry Educational Foundation Summer Camp
- UC Davis: College of Engineering
- Johns Hopkins Pre-Collegiate Discovery Programs
- UC Davis Pre-College Discovery Programs
- UC Davis School of Medicine K-12 Outreach
- Mercy San Juan Youth Volunteer
- Teen Volunteer Program for Kaiser Hospital Roseville
- Sutter Hospital Roseville: Volunteering
- CSU Sacramento Summer Youth Academies
- Rocklin Police Department Ride-A-Long Program
- Placer County Sheriffs Department: Explorers
- Roseville Police Department: Explorers
- California Highway Patrol: Explorers
- SMUD: Summer Program
- Shriners Hospital for Children: Summer Volunteer Program
- Natural Resources Conservation Service U.S. Department of Agriculture
- 15 Law Internships for High School Students in 2024
- Forensic Science: Crime Lab Youth Shadow Day
Job Board

So You're Looking For a Job:
Is it just about making money? Or could it also be an opportunity to gain valuable experience that moves you closer to your long-term goals?
If you dream of becoming a five-star chef, consider starting at a five-star restaurant—even if it means beginning as a host or server. These roles can be important stepping stones, giving you behind-the-scenes knowledge and hands-on exposure to the industry. Not only will you earn a paycheck, but you’ll also build real-world experience to strengthen your resume when applying to culinary schools or future food-related jobs. Think beyond today. A smart first job can be the first step toward your future career.
Here are some job opportunities the College & Career Center is aware of. However, only use this as a starting off point in your job search!
Specialized Trades

Here's where you can find information on trade-specific careers and exploration opportunities to help students discover the right path for them.
Resources:
- Transportation Industry:
- Truck Driver Program: American Career Training
- Diesel Mechanic Opportunities:
- Toyota T-Ten Program
- Holt of California:
- Electrical Linerworker Program: American Career Training
- Exploration Programs:
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- Soil Born Farms: Urban agriculture & education project
- Heavy Metal Summer Experience: Sheet metal, piping & plumbing trade camp
- Construction Industry Educational Foundation Summer Camp
- STEM/Engineering/Construction Camp
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Protective Services Occupations/Programs
Careers in the protective services field focus on ensuring public safety and maintaining law and order. Entry requirements vary by role, ranging from a high school diploma with postsecondary non-degree training to a four-year college degree.
Examples of Careers in Protective Services:
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Police Officers
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Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs
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Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) / Paramedics
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Detectives and Criminal Investigators
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Correctional Officers
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Bailiffs
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Fish and Game Wardens
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Firefighters
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Forest and Fire Inspectors
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Animal Control Officers
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Security Guards
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Transit and Railroad Police
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Parking Enforcement Officers
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Gambling Surveillance Officers and Investigators
(Data Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Career Exploration and Academies:
- Firefighting Career and Exploration Opportunities:
- Rocklin Fire Department: to learn more about opportunities or to do a ride-along, please contact Julie Ervin at (916) 625-5300.
- Firefighters Youth Academy - Sacramento
- West Sacramento Youth Fire Academy
- California Firefigher Joint Apprenticeship
- CalFire Academy: Ione, Calif.
- Roseville Fire Department Training Academy
- Local Fire Academies
- Wildland Firefighter Hiring Opportunities (18 years old and over)
- Firefighing College Courses:
- Law Enforcement Career and Exploration Opportunities:
- Rocklin Police Department Ride-A-Long Opportunity
- Roseville Police Department: Explorers Program | Police Officer Trainee Hiring Process
- Placer County Sheriff's: Cadet Program | Trainee | Jobs | Explorers | Youth Academy
- California Highway Patrol: Explorers | Careers
- State of California: Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training | Basic Training Academies
- Sacramento County Sheriff's Office | P.O.S.T. Certified Basic Academies
- Careers as a First Responder: Emergency Medical Tech/Paramedic
- Sierra College: EMT Program | Paramedic Program | Paramedic (EMT-P) Handbook
- Rocklin Fire Department Paramedic/EMT Job Shadow: to learn more about opportunities or to do a ride-along, please contact Julie Ervin at (916) 625-5300.
- Internships/Job Experience/Enrichment Programs: