Career Advancement

San Mateo County has a labor force of approximately 439,000 and an unemployment rate of just 4% as of August 2024. Check out more statistics on our Demographics page or find out who our largest employers are on our Economic Development Dashboard – Employment and Workforce Data. This page is intended to serve as a resource for job seekers in Redwood City. 

Youth Ages 14-25 

All minors under 18 years of age must have a permit to work. According to the California Department of Industrial Relations, typically, after an employer agrees to hire a minor, the minor obtains from their school a form entitled “Statement of Intent to Employ Minor and Request for Work Permit”, which is completed by the minor and the employer, and signed by the minor’s parent or guardian and the employer. After returning the completed and signed form to the school, school officials may issue the permit. 

There are some special programs in Redwood City and San Mateo County for minors and youth who want to work: 

• NOVAworks’ Young Adult Program (Ages 17-24)
• Jobs For Youth  (Ages 14-21)
• Youth Leadership Institute’s Youth Empowerment, Entrepreneurship and Employment (YEEE!) program (Rising & Graduating Seniors)
• Employment Development Department’s Youth Employment Opportunity Program (Ages 15-25)
• JobTrain’s Youth Services Program (Ages 17-24) 

Do you see a local resource missing? Email Amanda Anthony at aanthony@redwoodcity.org or 650-780-7204. 

Immigrants 

Many organizations in Redwood City and San Mateo County work specifically with immigrants (both documented and undocumented). 

• Upwardly Global: For immigrants and refugees with international credentials to restart their careers in the United States
• Upward Scholars: For adult immigrants on career development
• JobTrain: For adult immigrants on rapid employment and career development
• Multicultural Institute: For Day laborers and Housekeepers
• Samaritan House: Worker Resource Center 

If you or someone you know needs help legalizing their stay, please visit the Immigration Institute of the Bay Area, Immigration Advocates Network, and/or Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County.  

Do you see a local resource missing? Email Amanda Anthony at aanthony@redwoodcity.org or 650-780-7204. 

Programs for Job Seekers 

Local workforce development organizations hold regular career training and hiring fairs for local residents. 

• NOVAWorks’ Job Seeker Services (Monday Office Hours at Redwood City Main Library, 1044 Middlefield, Redwood City)
• JobTrain North Fair Oaks’ Career Center (3009 Middlefield Road, Redwood City)
• Canada College Continuing Education (1200 O’Brien Dr., Menlo Park)
• CalWORKS’ Employment Services (2500 Middlefield Road, Redwood City)