Teen Internship Program
Building Skills. Exploring Careers. Strengthening Community.Interested in learning real construction and home repair skills while making a difference in your community? Join Rebuilding Together Petaluma’s Teen Internship Program!
Rebuilding Together Petaluma’s Teen Internship Program gives local high school students the opportunity to explore careers in construction and the skilled trades through hands-on learning, mentorship, and community service.
Open to Petaluma students in grades 9–12, the program combines professional instruction with real-world experience. Teens learn how to safely use tools, develop basic construction skills, work as part of a team, and discover the many career pathways available in the skilled trades.
What We Do
Twice each year, RTP brings together a cohort of approximately 30 local high school students for a four-session internship experience.
Students learn directly from RTP’s construction and field staff, experienced volunteers, and community mentors. No previous construction experience is necessary. We provide the instruction, tools, equipment, and support students need to participate.
Each program includes:
- Orientation and job-site safety training
- Hands-on instruction in tools and construction skills
Exposure to careers in construction and the skilled trades - Mentorship from professionals and community members
- A hands-on community improvement project
- Career exploration and connections to potential next steps
- A celebration recognizing students’ accomplishments
Learning by Doing
Our teens don’t just practice their skills, they use them to make a difference in their community.
Teen Internship Program participants have completed projects including improvements to stairs at the Petaluma Senior Center, construction of a community bench, and garden beds at COTS.
Working on real community projects gives students an opportunity to build confidence, learn new skills, and experience the pride that comes from being able to say:
“I helped build that.”
Creating Pathways to the Trades
The Teen Internship Program is about more than learning how to use tools. We want young people to see the range of opportunities available to them after high school and understand that there are many pathways to a successful career.
RTP works with Petaluma City Schools to connect students with hands-on career exploration and opportunities to learn more about Career Technical Education, internships, apprenticeships, trade and technical education, summer employment, and careers in the skilled trades.
We’ve already seen where that exposure can lead: two Teen Internship Program participants have gone on to summer employment with RTP.
Our goal is to help every student leave the program with greater confidence, new skills, and a better understanding of what their next step could be.
Our Partnership with Petaluma City Schools
Petaluma City Schools is an important partner in the Teen Internship Program, helping RTP connect with students throughout Petaluma’s high schools.
Together, PCS and RTP give students an opportunity to take career exploration beyond the classroom and onto real community projects where they can learn alongside construction professionals, experienced volunteers, and mentors.
Interested in Participating?
The Teen Internship Program is open to Petaluma high school students in grades 9–12. No previous construction experience is required.
RTP offers two cohorts each year. Space is limited to approximately 30 students per cohort.
Save the Dates
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 3:30pm-5:30 PM
Orientation + Safety Training
Meet the RTP team, learn about the project, and get ready for the job site.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
Hands-On Workshop
Learn and practice skills you’ll use on the project.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
RTP Fall Workday
Put your skills to work alongside RTP staff and community volunteers on a real home repair project.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 3:30pm-5:30 PM
CELEBRATION!
Celebrate what you accomplished with the RTP team and community partners.
Interested students, families, schools, and community partners can contact Rebuilding Together Petaluma at 707-765-3944 for more information or sign up here:
Volunteer – Rebuilding Together Petaluma.