Business Internship Program

Build your talent pipeline with skilled Pierce College students

Developing the San Fernando Valley's Talent - Together

Pierce College trains over 20,000 local students each semester in high-demand fields aligned with industry needs. By establishing an internship program with our Foundation, your business gains access to a talented pool of career-focused, job-ready students while providing real-world experience that transforms lives.

📍 San Fernando Valley workforce engine
🤝 Business & community partnership-focused
🎓 Certificates and degrees leading directly to employment opportunities

Reduce Hiring Costs

Build a proven talent pipeline

Improve Retention

Hire local, career-committed workers

Shape Curriculum

Match evolving workforce needs

Strengthen Economy

Invest in future Valley talent

Give Back

Visible, meaningful community impact

Our Students Are Building the Valley's Future Workforce

Pierce College students are local, career-focused, and job-ready across these high-demand fields:

Skilled Trades & Industrial Technology

  • Automotive Service Technology
  • Welding / Fabrication
  • CNC Machining & Manufacturing
  • Electronics & Electrical Technology
  • CAD Design & Engineering Graphics

Animal & Agriculture Careers

  • Equine & Animal Science
  • Horticulture / Landscaping
  • Plant Science
  • Veterinary Technology

Healthcare & Essential Services

  • Nursing (RN)
  • Allied Healthcare Pathways
  • Medical Assistant Programs
  • Emergency Medical Services

Ways We Partner With Employers

👥

Internship & Apprenticeship Pipelines

Connect with students seeking hands-on experience in your industry

🎯

Customized Training

Programs aligned with your specific skill needs and industry requirements

🎓

Guest Lectures & Site Visits

Employer visits and student mentorship opportunities

🤝

Direct Hiring Connections

Access to graduating students and certificate earners ready to work

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Scholarship & Equipment Sponsorships

Support students while building brand visibility on campus

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On-Campus Hiring Events

Job placement support and recruitment opportunities

Internship Program Options

Paid Internships

Compensated positions provide students with income while gaining experience. Recommended for longer-term internships (3+ months).

Attract top talent
Higher completion rates
Potential tax benefits
Stronger candidate commitment

Course Credit Internships

Students earn academic credit for structured work experience. We coordinate with faculty to ensure educational objectives are met.

Semester-long programs
Academic oversight
Structured learning goals
Faculty collaboration

Project-Based Internships

Short-term focused projects (4-12 weeks) where students tackle specific business challenges or initiatives.

Flexible timelines
Defined deliverables
Lower time commitment
Innovation opportunities

Year-Round Programs

Ongoing internship opportunities with rolling admissions. Perfect for businesses with consistent talent needs.

Continuous pipeline
Part-time schedules
Build long-term relationships
Flexible start dates

Success Stories

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From Intern to Full-Time

"Our summer intern from Pierce College's Business program impressed us so much that we created a full-time position for her after graduation. She understood our industry, needed minimal training, and brought fresh ideas that improved our processes."

— Local Marketing Agency, Woodland Hills

🌱

Building Future Leaders

"Hosting Pierce College interns has become a core part of our company culture. Our team loves mentoring students, and we've hired three interns as permanent employees over the past two years. It's a win-win partnership."

— Tech Startup, Los Angeles

We Support You Every Step

Resources We Provide

  • Internship agreement templates
  • Student screening and matching
  • Program coordination support
  • Mentor training and best practices
  • Progress tracking and evaluation tools

Your Investment

  • Time commitment: 5-10 hours/week for supervision
  • Compensation: Optional (paid or credit-based)
  • Space: Workspace and equipment for intern
  • Projects: Meaningful work aligned with learning goals

Let's Build What's Next

What roles are the hardest for you to hire today?

We can help you fill them. Partner with the San Fernando Valley's workforce engine to build your talent pipeline and strengthen our community together.

Los Angeles Pierce College Foundation • Workforce Partnerships
[email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of students can we hire?

Pierce College trains over 20,000 students each semester across skilled trades (automotive, welding, CNC, electronics), agriculture & animal science (equine, horticulture, vet tech), healthcare (nursing, allied health), and more. All students are local to the San Fernando Valley and career-focused.

How do we get started?

Contact our Workforce Partnerships team at [email protected] to discuss your hiring needs. We'll help you define roles, match you with qualified students, and structure a program that works for your business — whether it's a single intern or an ongoing pipeline.

What's the time commitment?

It's flexible. We offer 8-week summer intensives, semester-long programs (15 weeks), project-based internships (4-12 weeks), or year-round opportunities. You choose the schedule and commitment level that fits your business.

Do we have to pay interns?

We encourage paid internships as they attract stronger candidates and improve retention. However, we also facilitate credit-based internships where students earn academic credit. You determine the compensation structure that works for your organization.

Is there a cost to partner with Pierce College?

No. There is no fee to partner with the Foundation for workforce development programs. We handle student screening, coordination, and placement at no cost. Your investment is the time dedicated to mentoring and the compensation you provide to interns (if paid).

Can we help shape the curriculum?

Yes! One of the key benefits of partnership is providing input on curriculum development to ensure graduates have the skills your industry needs. We welcome employer feedback and collaboration with faculty on program design.