Youth Employment

The Office of Economic Development supports career experiences for young people so that they can see what drives Seattle's economy. By providing career connected activities early and often, supporting credential and training programs, and creating on-ramps to employment, youth can begin to make the connection from education to careers. Through our investments and partnerships, Seattle's youth are supported and prepared to access jobs and careers in our growing economy, and our region's employers will have the local talent they need to thrive.

What We Do

With a focus on youth of color, low-income youth, immigrants and refugees, youth at risk of not completing high school and opportunity youth, we work to ensure that all youth have the competencies and skills to be successful in the labor market. We partner with local schools, businesses and non-profit organizations to build and support programs that give Seattle youth a window into the local economy and build pathways to fulfilling, in-demand careers.

Highlights

Seattle Made Youth Tours - In 2018, we partnered with Seattle Made to connect youth with the innovation and entrepreneurship of local manufacturers and makers in Seattle. Seattle Made, a program of the Seattle Good Business Network (SGBN), hosted four full-day tours with hands-on activities. Check out the videos below, made by an OED youth intern, to get a glimpse of the tours. If you are interested in partnering with OED to provide opportunities like this for our young people, please reach out to Sasha Gourevitch at sasha.gourevitch@seattle.gov.