Career Center at Ballantyne Ridge High School
Local
Internships, Apprenticeships, and Opportunities
"What is an Internship or an Apprenticeship? How is that different from a job?"
An internship is a temporary position (internships on here will usually be for Summers and will include hourly pay!) that allows students to experience the workplace before committing to it as a career and to make connections within their desired field of work.
A job is a more permanent position that can lead to a long-term career.
An apprenticeship is a paid opportunity to learn on the job while also receiving an education (typically paid for by the company that is hosting your apprenticeship) - an apprenticeship almost always leads to a full-time position within the host company and is a longer commitment than an internship.
Medical Field
Students at the high school level are only allowed to HANDS-OFF OBSERVE in a medical setting. Hands-on internships will be apart of the educational process in medical school when you are in college.
​
To qualify as an Observer, you must:
- on the application, choose that this is for CAREER EXPLORATION
- be 16
- secure a physician who is willing to have you Observe them - hthis is called a Preceptor (directions on how to do this are on the link below)
- have school approval
- have school-level affiliation (BRHS has this)
- clearance confirmation after a background check
- attend training and complete all necessary application components
​
More info here
Mechatronics & Computer Integrated Machining
Benefits:
- Paid career opportunity with excellent benefits package
- Graduate from school debt-free
- Full-time employment opportunities after graduation, with successful completion of the program
- 4 years of advanced technical training at our facility
- Graduate from CPCC with an Associate Degree
- Receive a Journeyman Certificate from NC Department of Labor (NCDOL)
- Additional scholarship opportunities to continue education
Requirements:
- At least 16 years old at the start of the program
- Either a junior or senior in high school
- Algebra 1 & 2, geometry, physics, drafting, and computer application classes are preferred
- Unweighted GPA of 2.8
- Good attendance
More info here
There are four stages to Apprenticeship 2000’s application process
Registration (August – January):
Partner companies may visit some local high schools, usually in November.
High school juniors and seniors may register during this time.
You must be a junior or senior in January of the following year.
Additionally, we may work with your guidance counselor to see if you meet the grade, attendance and other requirements.
Students may register by completing an online “Get Started” form.
Our registration period runs through the end of each year.
Open House (January/February):
We will invite those who qualify and register by year’s end attend an open house with their parents.
During the open house, there will be a presentation.
Following the presentation, we will have a question and answer session.
Then, we may have a tour of the facility.
At this point, students can decide if they would like to take part in an orientation.
Orientation (February – March):
Orientations are for students only.
Parents do not attend orientation.
Apprenticeship 2000 will assign each student to an orientation session.
Orientation will last four evenings during one week at a partner company (about 4 hours each day).
Orientations consist of hands-on activities and written tests.
During this time, partner companies learn if you are a good candidate for an apprenticeship.
You decide if our apprenticeship is right for you!
Summer Pre-Apprenticeship (June – August):
We offer our six-week summer trial period to motivated top performers from the orientation.
This is essentially a six-week job-interview at a partner company.
And, it is a hands-on, in depth trial period.
A trainer will evaluate each student’s mechanical skills.
Each week will be a paid 40 hour work week, including CPCC school day(s).
Afterwards, Apprenticeship 2000 offers the top performers an apprenticeship.
The Apprenticeship:
The apprenticeship is four years of learning and earning.
Apprentices earn a Journeyperson’s Certificate from the state of North Carolina.
Also, apprentices earn an AAS degree in Mechatronics Engineering Technology from CPCC.
Apprentices are guaranteed a job after graduation with a competitive salary.
Manufacturing, Machinery, Tool and Dye Making, Mechatronics, Electrical
Participating Companies:
- Chiron
- Blum
- Ameritech
- PFAFF
Find out more here
Marketing, Communications,
Digital Advertising
SCALE is a digital marketing internship for students in the 11th and 12th grades.
The focus is to foster a team learning environment through hands on activities and the introduction of real world business experience.
SCALE interns will have the opportunity to work with and learn from our team of marketing professionals at Scott Clark Toyota. This internship can lead to a full-time position.
​
- This is an unpaid internship
- Runs Jan - May 2025 from 2:45-4:45
- Follows the CMS calendar with days off
Find out more here
Computer Sciences, Cyber-Security, Programming, & Banking
+ Earn a stipend for your education throughout the one year internship
+ 80% of graduates are employed within 4-months of graduation
+ Advanced technical training in the job field with pay increases
+ Education in computer science or finance (CPCC)
+ Daily support program while attending courses
+ Employment upon graduation in one of the fastest growing fields
Who is Eligible to apply?
+ 18-29 years old
+ Low to moderate family income
+ U.S. citizenship, permanent resident, DACA recipient, or employment authorization card
Live within commuting distance of a Year Up United location.
+ Although Year Up United has shifted to a hybrid program model, you must be able to regularly attend in-person days throughout the duration of the program
+ Available five days a week (M-F) for the entire duration of the program (1 year)
+ Highly motivated to learn new technical and professional skills
+ Have not obtained a Bachelor’s degree
Find out more here
North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics
North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) educates academically talented students to become state, national, and global leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Founded as the nation’s first public, residential STEM high school, we let North Carolina students design your future through challenging programs driven by instructional excellence and the excitement of discovery.
​
NCSSM has multiple options such as:
- Summer Programs
- Residential Programs (live on-campus)
- Online Honors Programs​
​
Find out more here
Maintenance and Aviation Studies
Aviation Institute of Maintenance is well-known for providing high quality, hands-on training to students in Aviation Maintenance programs.
To fill that need, they went beyond aviation to develop related industry technician programs. AIM is partnering with CMS to allow Juniors and Seniors to complete one course per semester toward a two year program.
​
Who Can take AIM Courses:
+ Juniors and Seniors
+ Good academic standing (Based on recommendation)
+ Must have transportation
+ Availability to replace your 4th block to attend AIM​
+ When can you apply: Spring of Sophmore year.
​
Email: aldiaz@aviationmaintenance.edu
Find out more here
Mecklenburg County: Meck Pathways
MeckPathways is a partnership between Mecklenburg County Government and Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. The program provides students an opportunity to gain professional work experience that connects their classroom experiences and potential career choices. The goal of the program is to provide a variety of opportunities for students to learn about public service professions.
​
+ Pay Rate: $15 per hour
+ Program Dates: Summer 2025
+ Potential Work Week: 20 - 40 hours per week
+ Applicant must be a CMS high school junior or senior
+ Minimum Age: 16
+ No experience is required
To Apply:
This application will open for the 25-26 school year at some point in the Fall semester - be sure you are checking the Canvas Announcements for the Career Center!
Banking, Finance, Accounting
Since 2004, Student Leaders® has been part of BofA's ongoing commitment to youth employment and economic mobility. They’re helping prepare a diverse pipeline of community-minded young students to be successful in the workforce through leadership training and work experience.
You need:
+ Currently be a junior or senior in high school
+ Authorized to work in the United States
+Letter of Recommendation from BRHS Teacher
​
You Receive:
+ 8-week nonprofit organization paid internship & work 35 hours a week
+ Week-long Student Leaders Summit Summer in Washington, DC paid for entirely by BofA
Find out more here
Find out more here
Sports Marketing, Event Planning, & Communications
Charlotte Motor Speedway
- Communications Internship
Recommended Subjects: Communications / English / Journalism
- Sales Internship
Recommended Subjects: Business / Sports Management / Marketing
- Events Internship
Recommended Subjects: Communications/ Hospitality Management/ Sports Management
- Finance Internship
Recommended Subjects: Accounting/ Finance/ Business
- Graphic Design Internship
Recommended Subjects: Graphic Design/ Communication/ Broadcasting
- Marketing Internship
Recommended Subjects: Broadcasting/ Communications/ Marketing/ Photography
- Operations Internship
Recommended Subjects: Engineering/ Communications/ Hospitality Management
- Speedway Children's Charities Internship
Recommended Subjects: Communications/ Non-Profit/ Sociology/ Business
- Ticket Sales Internship
Recommended Subjects: Business/ Sports Management
- Applicants are expected to be motivated and be willing to work a minimum of 25 hours a week including nights and weekends during events
- Please review the event calendar on our website and check your availability
- Interns are expected to be available for all Charlotte Motor Speedway Events
- After the application deadline, applicants may be called for an initial telephone interview by the coordinators of the internship program.
- Application materials of eligible applicants will then be circulated to the various departments at Charlotte Motor Speedway, which, at their discretion depending on their needs, will set up and conduct interviews with select applicants.
Education and Local Politics
Calling all juniors in high school! Apply today to serve as a Student Advisor on the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council. If you are interested in state education issues, advocating on behalf of your peers, and serving as an advisor to decision-makers in K-12 education, this application is for you!
​
The Student Advisory Council meets monthly, and members serve a two-year term that concludes at the end of their senior year of high school. Throughout the appointment, advisors hear from experts at the Department of Public Instruction, State Board of Education, the General Assembly, and the Governor's Office, among others, to learn about issues facing our state and what can be done to support students, teachers and our local school districts and charter schools.
​
At the conclusion of each year, advisors present a proposal to address an evolving state education issue to the Superintendent and other state leaders. Whether you attend a charter school, laboratory school, residential school, traditional public school, magnet school, year-round school - this opportunity is for you!
More info and apply here
Future Educators
A paid internship for bilingual high school students that is designed to provide hands-on opportunities to experience, grow, and thrive in the teaching profession.
​
More info here
Explorers Post Program
More info here
The Exploring Posts program allows students to learn about various career fields and network with professionals already working in those fields. You get hands-on experience to determine whether or not a particular career field is right for you.
Programs include:
- Law Enforcement and Firefighting
- Drones and Aviation
- Auto Tech and Sales
- Architecture
- Engineering
- Law
- EMT and Paramedic
- Interior Design
You develop valuable networking contacts with professionals in your selected career fields, and you get to know other youth with the same interests and aspirations.
Exploring is the first step in identifying career possibilities while having fun in an exciting and informal environment.
All Categories, All Grade Levels
Can't find a category that interests you? Are you a freshman and aren't sure if there is anything open for you? Try this!
​
StandOut Connect is a two-part online experience spanning three months. In the first part, students will participate in a month of interactive weekend workshops paired with collaborative homework. Homework in preparation for workshops will take no more than two hours. Students will be taught how to build their resume and story for both college admissions and internship recruitment by alumni from The University of Chicago and other top universities who have broken into fields such as finance, medicine, law, and technology. They will also be taught how to incorporate essential modern technologies, from Excel to artificial intelligence, into their workflows. Finally, they will interview with companies until they accept an internship offer. Each student in our program is guaranteed an internship offer.
In the second part, students are given the opportunity to participate in a two-month remote asynchronous internship at a company sourced from the entrepreneurship ecosystems of top universities (i.e., The Yale Entrepreneurial Society, Stanford’s Cardinal Ventures) and accelerators that accept the top 1% of companies (i.e., Techstars and Y Combinator). During their internship, students will have the chance to create a project with real impact as well as receive a recommendation letter and an optional return offer.
​
Students are generally expected to contribute at most 10 hours per week on average to their internships during the school year.
