“I spend the entirety of 2023 job hunting and just couldn’t find anything. It was discouraging, since I had graduated from a four-year university with a double major. I had a portfolio and a resume but no offers. When I heard about NEXT it sounded like a great opportunity. I was nervous about already being 24, but my career coach was very thorough about going through a list to make sure she was lining me up with what I needed to find me that job position. Don’t hesitate! The people at NEXT are here to help you, no matter what your needs are.” – Tiffany

“I was in need of employment, and NEXT helped me find am internship! My experience here has been overwhelmingly positive. It is very clear that they care about you, and it’s just been amazing!” – Mike

Job Shadows, Internships and Youth Programs

Today’s young adults are the future of your workforce. Engaging with them now helps ensure that the most talented candidates know your business, understand its purpose, and see how they can contribute to its success.

NEXT empowers young adults to pursue meaningful careers, gain essential training, and access growth opportunities for a sustainable future. Our Career Coaches provide personalized support, helping each participant develop a tailored plan to explore their unique interests, skills, and career goals. NEXT’s “Design Your Future” workforce preparation classes focus on key topics, including workplace etiquette, soft-skill development, career exploration, and more – equipping young adults with the tools they need to thrive in their future careers. This comprehensive approach empowers young adults to build sustainable careers, supporting them every step of the way as they navigate their educational and professional journeys.

How can your business partner with NEXT?

Businesses have a unique opportunity to engage with their future workforce by partnering with Next. Companies can connect with young talent in a variety of ways such as:

• Hosting interns (inquire about our SummerWorks program starting again in March of 2025!)
• Participating in hiring events
• Leading workshops (we welcome new ideas!)
• Joining employer Q&A panels
• Offering job shadowing experiences

Our Business Navigators are ready to connect with you to learn about your interests and partnership goals, then find a great match for your company from our talent pool of job candidates.

What is the SummerWorks program?

SummerWorks connects employers with young adults eager to explore careers and gain industry insight, even with limited work experience. This program offers a unique chance for employers to host an intern for 100 hours, helping them build skills and receive mentorship. As one of Southwest Washington’s largest summer youth employment programs, SummerWorks links businesses with young talent for paid summer jobs, providing a cost-effective way to recruit and evaluate potential employees. While interns receive above-minimum wages, employers provide training, approve time sheets, and complete assessments, with interns working up to 20 hours per week.

What are the benefits of hosting an intern?

Engaging young people in your workplace offers numerous benefits. It provides staff with opportunities for professional development in management, leadership, and communication, while allowing you to assess potential candidates and train them to your standards. Young employees bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, enhancing business operations. Participation also increases awareness of your business among future customers and talent, while fostering employee satisfaction as they help young people succeed. By investing your time, knowledge, and expertise, you’re not only supporting young adults but also benefiting your business and the broader economy.

• Motivated candidates ages 16-24
• Next generation insight
• New audience reaches
• Opportunity to develop training skills
• Talent that is pre-screened to align with your business’s needs and ready to start work
• Young adults prepared to assist with a diverse array of job duties or project-based assignments

Internships our participants have been involved with include these in-demand positions:

• Data entry
• Research
• Social media
• Marketing
• Event planning
• Construction
• Office assistance
• Machining
• Food service
• Animal care
• Assembly
• & many more

“I came into NEXT looking for employment, and they immediately sat me down and said, ‘Let’s figure out how to get this done. What are you looking for, and what are your interests?’ They found me an internship with a local company, so if you are scared about making that step, you are holding yourself back. Just open the doors!” – Kaden

“I wish I would have gotten involved with NEXT sooner! It isn’t just NEXT – it is who they partner with in the community. I was needing help with getting going in a direction that was more aligned with my goals, and I am loving being a GED tutor!” – Oliver

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without NEXT. I am hugely grateful and appreciative. Thank you!” – Kaylie

We deeply appreciate these businesses that have recently, or consistently partnered with NEXT over the years, helping youth and young adults get a strong start toward achieving their individual employment goals!

Recovery Cafe

Odyssey World International Education Services

WorkSource SW Washington

Goodwill Industries

Formerly the Children’s Home Society of Washington

Salvation Army

Silicon Forest Electronics

PAX Learning Center

Columbia River Mental Health Foundation

Dilish Farms

Washington State University Vancouver

Mullen Polk Foundation

Neil Jones Food Company

“We have had a great experience working with NEXT’s interns! They have provided hard-working individuals looking to further themselves in our program. We are very proud to say we have hired a handful of participants post internship, with one of them elevating into upper management.” – Alex (PAX Learning Center)

“Our intern has been such a hard worker and very dependable. In fact, we hired him on full-time and look forward to more internships from NEXT in the future!” – Recovery Cafe

“We have had four interns so far, and all have been quite enjoyable to work with!”