Learn. Earn. Grow.
Earn up to $3,000 • gain a mentor • access other help
no resume or experience needed
What is Merced Youth Jobs?
Merced Youth Jobs is a new program in the City of Merced aimed at helping youth ages 16-24 connect to work and other resources. This program helps those who need it the most, by providing them with a way to earn $3,000, gain a mentor, and access other help.
How does the program work?
A participant will apply online through the application link. If accepted into the program, participants will attend a work readiness training. Once the training is completed, participants will be placed at a worksite where they can complete up to 200 hours of paid work.
Apply online in 3 minutes
Get invited to an orientation 
Choose a job from our list of opportunities
How This Benefits You
Learn
Gain workplace skills
Earn
Earn $16 an hour or more
Grow
Connect to a Mentor
Have fun
Enjoy team activities
Apply to Merced Youth Jobs!
The program is accepting participants in small groups of about 25 youth every couple of months, beginning August 2022. You only need to apply once through our quick application, and you don’t need to have previous experience.
You can expect to receive a response within a month of submission via text and/or email. Soon after that, you’ll attend an orientation and choose a local place to work. There are a lot of options for you to select from, and we are adding more employers all the time.
Apply Now
Learn More
The program was developed by youth in partnership with the City and the Merced County Department of Workforce Investment.
Apply Now
Common Questions
How much will I get paid?
You will get paid $16/hr
How many hours will I work?
Your schedule will depend on your employer, but in total, you will work up to 200 hours.
What documents are required to start the program?
Identification and social security card.
When will I get paid?
You will get paid Bi-weekly according to the payroll schedule provided to you.
Will taxes be taken out of my paycheck ?
Yes. Taxes will automatically be deducted from your paycheck.
Do I need a bank account to be paid?
No, you do not need a bank account to be paid.
Will taxes be taken out of my paycheck ?
Yes. Taxes will automatically be deducted from your paycheck.
What if I’m undocumented?
We have a separate opportunity for individuals without documentation. If you are selected for the program, you will receive more information. You will not be required to submit the same documents as other participants
Do I need to live in the City of Merced?
Yes. This program is funded through City of Merced, and is available to Merced City residents only. There are other opportunities available to other Merced County youth. Visit mercedworknet.com
How are youth selected?
The program focuses first on those with the biggest need, and the order of who applied first. The application asks a series of questions to help select who will start the program first. Please answer truthfully and we’ll connect you to a job as quickly as possible.
What if I do not get accepted?
The program will continue to review applications to serve as many young people as possible. If you are not selected immediately, you may be able to enter in the next group.
What kinds of jobs are available through this program?
Businesses of all types have signed on to offer positions, and we are adding more all the time. These include retail, health services, salons and mechanic shops, and internships with local government.
During the 200-hour period, is the business paying the participant wages?
No, youth will be paid directly by the program.
Does the business retain youth after the 200-hour period?
This is completely optional between the business and youth.
What happens if a youth is not working out at the job site?
Youth may be removed from the worksite with the business request.
Are youth allowed to drive a company vehicle?
No, the program does not cover this.
How are youth paid?
It is youth's responsibility to submit a timesheet bi-weekly. The timesheet does require the worksite supervisor signature prior to submission. This is where the business can confirm the hours tworked per week. Youth will submit their timesheet to their youth coordinator.
Will the program provide Work Permits for Minors?
Youth are responsible for obtaining work permits.
