Youth Employment Service (YES)

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The Youth Employment Service (YES) provides a variety of services to help Simi Valley youth, ages 15 to 22, land their first job or develop their early career paths. These include Entering the Workforce and Interview Skills Workshops, plus 1-on-1 coaching services. The YES also refers applicants to available jobs year round through its Job Posting Service offered to Simi Valley Employers.

The YES also hosts an annual Job and Career Fair every spring, connecting hundreds of young people to local employers, vocational schools, and recruiter services.

For Job Seekers 

Entering the Workforce Workshops

The Entering the Workforce workshop is available to youth ages 13-17 and is offered two times per year. The next Entering the Workforce workshop with a focus on entrepreneurship will be held in winter 2025. This free workshop focuses on employment options for teens ages 13 to 17, workplace ethics and safety, as well as job readiness. To receive notice of future YES workshops, email the YES Coordinator at yes@simivalley.org.

Interview Skills Workshops

Interview Skills workshops are held at local high schools and at the Simi Valley Public Library. The Interview Skills workshops are presented each spring to prepare students to apply and interview for their first job. This free workshop covers how to complete a job application, how to dress to meet employers, and how to prepare for an interview. To receive notice of future YES workshops, email the YES Coordinator at yes@simivalley.org.

1-on-1 Job Coaching

If you’re looking for work but not sure where to begin, sign up for 1-on-1 job coaching sessions. In these sessions you will:

  • Reviewing the job application process
  • Developing your interview skills
  • Discuss professionalism in the workplace
  • Receive job referrals to companies that are now hiring!

Appointments can be made by calling YES at (805) 583-6766.

Under 18? A Waiver of Liability must be completed prior to receiving free services. More information for parents and guardians is available.

Please note: The YES does not issue work permits. Contact the youth's school of attendance for work permit eligibility information and an application

YES Annual Job and Career Fair

If you’re looking for a part-time or full-time job, seasonal or permanent employment, don’t miss the annual Youth Employment Service Job and Career Fair held each spring. This event typically attracts nearly 300 job seekers and over 60 employers. Participation is free for both businesses and youth. The 2025 Simi Valley Job and Career Fair will be held in the Spring 2025, at the Simi Valley Public Library.  During the Job and Career Fair, job seekers meet directly with businesses that are hiring and have the opportunity to practice their interviewing skills with volunteers from the local business community. YES volunteers are also onsite to provide assistance with completing applications and resume writing.  For more information regarding YES events, email yes@simivalley.org.

No Cost Services for Employers (or For Employers)

Promote your Job Openings - If your business is hiring, the Youth Employment Service is ready to send qualified applicants your way. Youth referred by YES have been coached on the techniques of the job search, professionalism in the workplace, and follow-up skills. This service is provided at no cost to all employers in Simi Valley. If you would like to post your job opening with the YES please go to www.simivalley.org/YESJobPosting.

Please note the YES does not accept referrals for residential employment.

YES Advisory Board

The YES Advisory Board is made up of representatives of government agencies, schools, employers, and community members at large to discuss employment issues that relate to youth. The YES Advisory Board works with City Staff in facilitating workshops and planning the annual Job and Career Expo.

Apply to Serve or Get Involved - The YES Advisory Board has a variety of representative positions including, at-large, local business, local government, and youth. If you are interested in serving on the Board, please complete an online application for the next term beginning on July 1, 2025.  

YES Advisory Board meetings take place on the third Wednesday of each month during the school year, at 8:15 a.m., in the City Hall Community Room. View the meeting dates and agendas for more information. The meetings are open to the public, and anyone with an interest in youth employment is encouraged to attend. Note that the YES Advisory Board meetings are dark during the summer months.

Startup Simi: a Business Incubator Committee

The YES Advisory Board established an Ad Hoc Committee to investigate establishing a business incubator to assist young entrepreneurs. The Committee has recently finished researching different models of business incubators, compiling a list of best practices, and determining the needs of startup businesses in the area. The Committee is currently hosting various speaker events geared towards the entrepreneurial and startup communities in Simi Valley.

Stay Up-to-Date with YES events and programs by signing up to receive e-notifications to receive regular updates. You can also contact the YES Coordinator or call (805) 583-6766

Youth Employment Service (YES)

2929 Tapo Canyon Road

Simi Valley, CA 93063

(805) 583-6766

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DEADLINE EXTENDED for Community Members to Apply for the Youth Council's Community-wide Talent Show

The Simi Valley Youth Council is seeking talent show acts for its first ever community-wide, all ages, Talent Show. Vocalists, musicians, comedians, poets, magicians, and more are all encouraged to audition for this impressive showcase. Individual and group acts will be accepted. Approximately 25 acts will be selected to compete in the talent show to take place Friday, May 31, 2019 at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center.

“The talent show is a great opportunity for performers to get their name out there and build up experience. This is an event where performers of all talents can show Simi Valley what they’ve got,” says Paige Barrella, Youth Council Member and Talent Show Chair.

Cash prizes will be awarded in specific categories in addition to a People’s Choice winner. A panel of three qualified judges will select the winners.

“The Youth Council chose to put on a talent show because we wanted to showcase all of the amazing talent Simi Valley has to offer,” Barrella said. “There are many open mic nights and specific competitions around town, but the Youth Council Talent Show will bring all the creative and diverse talents together under one roof.”

Applications and contest rules are available online at www.simivalley.org/talentshow. All acts must submit an application and audition video clip by Friday, May 3, 2019 (Deadline extended from April 26, 2019).  There is no cost to audition or perform.

The Talent Show will also serve as a fundraiser to help support the Youth Council’s community projects and events throughout the year. These include the anti-bullying and suicide prevention campaigns; printing of teen crisis numbers on the back of school ID cards; and the annual flagship event, the Simi Valley Youth Summit. Businesses and individuals interested in sponsoring this event can contact Kristin Tignac, Youth Council Coordinator, at (805) 583-6766.

The Simi Valley Youth Council is an advisory board to the City Council on issues that affect the youth in the community. It is comprised of 24 middle and high school students. Community members and youth are encouraged to follow the Youth Council on Instagram @simivalleyyouthcouncil.

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