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Ages 14 to 24

Youth Jobs and Training in Detroit

Get paid work experience, learn a trade in high school, or start a pre-apprenticeship. These Detroit programs are built for teens and young adults.

Join the Talent Network Explore careers
  1. High school Sophomores to seniors
  2. Randolph Career Technical Center electrical, carpentry, OSHA 10 safety
  3. Breithaupt Career and Technical Center mechatronics, culinary, cosmetology
  4. Golightly Career and Technical Center aeronautical and drone, graphics, hospitality
  5. First paycheck A trade job or an apprenticeship
From a Detroit high school to a first paycheck: 3 career and technical centers on the way.

Start here

Youth programs in Detroit

Summer jobs (GDYT)

Grow Detroit's Young Talent: paid summer work for Detroit youth ages 14 to 24.

How GDYT works

Year-round youth program

No-cost help finishing school, job training, internships and pre-apprenticeships through Detroit at Work.

See what is offered

Career tech in high school

Learn HVAC, electrical, welding, CNC and more at DPSCD career and technical centers.

See CTE centers

Summer jobs

Grow Detroit's Young Talent summer jobs

Grow Detroit's Young Talent (GDYT) is Detroit's citywide summer jobs program. Youth work up to 120 hours over the summer, usually about six weeks in July and August. Jobs range from community cleanups and summer camps to office work, healthcare and private company internships.

Who can apply

  • Live in the City of Detroit
  • Be 14 to 24 years old (you can apply at 13 if you turn 14 by July 1)
  • Be eligible to work in the United States

There are no income limits. Selection is mostly by lottery, and past participants must apply again each year. The application opens in spring, so check gdyt.org early in the year.

What to have ready

  • Proof of age, Detroit residency and Social Security number
  • A government or school photo ID
  • A work permit if you are 14 to 17

GDYT has three levels: Career Exploration for first-time workers, Ready for Work placements with employers, and competitive Career Pathways Internships for ages 17 to 24.

All year

Detroit at Work year-round youth program

Detroit residents ages 14 to 24 can get no-cost help all year through Detroit at Work. Some programs also accept Highland Park and Hamtramck residents. Services include:

  • Help finishing a high school diploma or GED
  • Career training that leads to a credential and a job
  • Paid and unpaid work experience, internships and job shadowing
  • Pre-apprenticeships in the trades
  • Stipends for training, plus work gear and uniforms
  • Connections to transportation, childcare and housing help

Call (313) 962-9675 to get started.

High school

Career and technical education in Detroit public schools

DPSCD sophomores, juniors and seniors in good standing (2.0 GPA or higher) can train at a career and technical center while earning certifications and college credit.

Randolph Career Technical Center, 17101 Hubbell St Programs include Construction trades: HVAC, electrical, carpentry, OSHA 10 safety Career guides Electrician, HVAC, carpenter
Breithaupt Career and Technical Center Programs include Automotive, welding, mechatronics, culinary, cosmetology Career guides Auto technician, welder
Golightly Career and Technical Center, 900 Dickerson Ave Programs include Machine tool (CNC), welding, aeronautical and drone, graphics, hospitality Career guides CNC machinist, machinist

Your path

From first job to a skilled trade

  1. 1

    Get work experience

    Start with a GDYT summer job or a youth internship. Any job builds references.

  2. 2

    Take career tech classes

    Pick a CTE program in high school and earn certifications like OSHA 10.

  3. 3

    Try a pre-apprenticeship

    Short, hands-on programs through Detroit job training programs prepare you for apprenticeship tests.

  4. 4

    Apply for an apprenticeship or college

    Some union apprenticeships, like the Plumbers 98 program, require you to be 18 by the first class. Recent graduates can use tuition-free community college options.

Explore

Careers young Detroiters are training for

Trades

Healthcare and service

Tech and more

In town

Where young people train in Detroit

Every training door with a Detroit address in the platform's training map, from each organization's own site.

Meyers career center
Detroit at Work 		Kind Michigan Works! center Address 18100 Meyers, Detroit, MI 48235 Phone (313) 962-9675
East Warren career center
Detroit at Work 		Kind Michigan Works! center Address 18017 E. Warren, Detroit, MI 48224 Phone (313) 962-9675
Conner job search hub
Detroit at Work 		Kind Michigan Works! center Address 5901 Conner, Detroit, MI 48213 Phone (313) 962-9675
Collingwood career center
Detroit at Work 		Kind Michigan Works! center Address 2470 Collingwood, Detroit, MI 48206 Phone (313) 962-9675
Michigan Avenue career center
Detroit at Work 		Kind Michigan Works! center Address 9301 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48210 Phone (313) 962-9675
West Warren career center
Detroit at Work 		Kind Michigan Works! center Address 16427 W. Warren, Detroit, MI 48228 Phone (313) 962-9675
West McNichols center (referrals only)
Detroit at Work 		Kind Michigan Works! center Address 24424 W. McNichols, Detroit, MI 48219 Phone (313) 962-9675
Randolph CTC
Randolph Career and Technical Center 		Kind Career tech campus Address 17101 Hubbell Street, Detroit, MI 48235 Phone (313) 494-7100
Breithaupt CTC
Breithaupt Career and Technical Center 		Kind Career tech campus Address 9300 Hubbell Street, Detroit, MI 48228 Phone (313) 866-9550
Curtis L. Ivery Downtown Campus
Wayne County Community College District 		Kind Community college campus Address 1001 West Fort St., Detroit, MI 48226 Phone (313) 496-2758
Eastern Campus
Wayne County Community College District 		Kind Community college campus Address 5901 Conner, Detroit, MI 48213 Phone (313) 922-3311
Northwest Campus
Wayne County Community College District 		Kind Community college campus Address 8200 West Outer Drive, Detroit, MI 48219 Phone (313) 943-4000

Youth groups

Youth groups with a Detroit address

291 active tax-exempt groups the IRS lists at a Detroit mailing address whose work is youth development, largest reported revenue first (the first 15). A mailing address is where a group gets its mail, so check before you visit.

Youth Vision Solutions IRS record Exempt since 2011, $12.9M reported revenue
Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan IRS record Exempt since 1958, $10.1M reported revenue
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Detroit IRS record Exempt since 1940, $10.1M reported revenue
Downtown Boxing Gym Youth Program IRS record Exempt since 2011, $8.6M reported revenue
Brilliant Detroit IRS record Exempt since 2016, $6.2M reported revenue
Sound Mind Sound Body Foundation IRS record Exempt since 2015, $5.8M reported revenue
Midnight Golf Program IRS record Exempt since 2001, $4.8M reported revenue
Teen Hype IRS record Exempt since 2009, $3.9M reported revenue
Ilitch Charities Inc IRS record Exempt since 2003, $3.2M reported revenue
Metropolitan Children and Youth Inc IRS record Exempt since 1997, $3M reported revenue
Detroit Horse Power IRS record Exempt since 2015, $2.5M reported revenue
The Youth Connection Inc IRS record Exempt since 2003, $1.9M reported revenue
Federation of Youth Services IRS record Exempt since 1972, $1.6M reported revenue
Mosaic Youth Theater of Detroit IRS record Exempt since 1992, $1.3M reported revenue
Healthy Kidz R US Athletic League IRS record Exempt since 2019, $798K reported revenue

Youth jobs in Detroit FAQ

5 questions

How old do you have to be to get a job in Detroit?
GDYT summer jobs start at 14, and you can apply at 13 if you turn 14 by July 1. Youth under 18 need a work permit for GDYT.
When do GDYT applications open?
GDYT applications open in the spring for jobs that start in early July. Check gdyt.org for the current dates.
Do I need to meet income rules for GDYT?
No. GDYT has no income guidelines. Most spots are filled by lottery.
Can teens get free trade training in Detroit?
Yes. DPSCD career and technical centers teach trades like HVAC, electrical and welding, and Detroit at Work's youth program offers pre-apprenticeships for ages 14 to 24.
Is there free college for Detroit high school graduates?
Detroit Promise covers tuition and mandatory fees at five local community colleges for Detroit residents who graduate from a Detroit high school.

Start building your career now

Join the Talent Network to hear about training, apprenticeships and trade jobs in Metro Detroit.

Join the Talent Network (888) 471-3135

Sources

Updated September 2026. Rules and procedures change; confirm with the responsible office before a decision.

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