Jobs for High School Grads in California

I'm planning to look for work right after high school, and I'm in California. What industries or companies should I look into that hire high school graduates? Are there areas with more opportunities?

Hi there! California offers a significant number of job opportunities for high school graduates across a variety of industries. Some possibilities to consider are:

Construction Industry: Positions like construction laborers, painters, and equipment operators often require only a high school diploma and offer on-the-job training.

Manufacturing Industry: Companies often hire high school graduates for roles like Assemblers, Machine operators, or Industrial Truck Operators.

Retail & Sales: Job roles such as retail associates or sales representatives are commonly available for high school graduates.

Healthcare Services: Entry-level healthcare roles such as home health aides, pharmacy technicians, or even medical assistants are potential jobs that are open to high school grads.

Transportation & Warehousing: Companies in delivery services or fulfillment centers like Amazon hire high school graduates for roles like delivery drivers or warehouse workers.

When it comes to regions, Los Angeles and the Bay Area tend to have a lot of opportunities due to their dense populations and large companies. However, the cost of living is higher in these areas so that's something to think about as well. The Inland Empire (Riverside & San Bernardino County) and Central Valley cities like Fresno and Bakersfield, offer more affordable living expenses and have been seeing economic growth in areas such as logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare.

Remember, many of these positions may provide job-specific training, but you could also look into trade schools or community college programs to gain further skills, which can lead to higher-paying jobs. Best of luck with your job search!