Recruit Hippo

08/24/2026

How do young people get experience when even “entry-level” jobs are asking for experience?

Work-based learning helps bridge that gap.

Recruit HIPPO connects young people with opportunities to gain real-world experience, build skills, explore careers, and connect with local employers.

We also work with businesses to create work-based learning opportunities that help build our region’s future workforce.

Check out this article on why work-based learning matters and reach out to see how Recruit HIPPO can help!

https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2026/08/17/work-based-learning-repairs-the-broken-entry-level-career-rung/

We’ve dug our own hole: By letting AI absorb basic tasks, employers simply shifted senior expectations onto junior applicants.

07/14/2026

🌿 NOW HIRING: Douglas County Maintenance Crew! 🌿

Recruit HIPPO is partnering with Douglas County to provide a paid work experience for young adults ages 18–24.

🛠 Gain hands-on experience in:
• Landscaping & grounds maintenance
• Painting prep
• Pruning & clean-up
• General maintenance

✅ No experience needed—we provide training!
💲 $16/hour (tentative)
⏰ Up to 30 hours/week

We're looking for individuals who are reliable, safety-minded, eager to learn, and enjoy working outdoors.

📞 Contact Gaylene: 541-751-3997
📧 [email protected]

07/07/2026

Success starts with opportunity! ⚡🔧

Through a Recruit HIPPO paid work experience at North River Electric, one local youth gained hands-on experience exploring the electrical trade, building practical skills, and learning alongside industry professionals. That opportunity has now turned into a career—he has officially been hired as an Entry-Level Electrical Apprentice!

This success would not have been possible without the partnership with Made for Trades, whose collaboration helped connect this youth with North River Electric and create a pathway from work experience to employment.

Amy O'Sullivan, Owner/CEO (WOSB) of North River Electric, shared about the partnership:

"For a few years now, we have had the pleasure of working with Recruit HIPPO. This program is designed for young adults seeking to find the right career. Recruit HIPPO aids this quest by giving recruits the opportunity to ride along, see, feel, and experience the careers of their choice. Entering into the workforce is challenging enough for anyone, but with the help of Recruit HIPPO these young adults are on the path to their future career."

Here's what the participant had to say about the experience:

"I've enjoyed this opportunity greatly and am fortunate to be able to be involved in such a great project like this. The ability to job shadow/internship for North River Electric and to show off my skills and get an idea for what being an electrician is truly an amazing and eye opening experience. I think anybody who's thinking of a career like this should get involved in a project like this." — Thor McCoy

Congratulations, Thor, on taking this exciting next step in your career! Thank you to North River Electric and Made for Trades for investing in the next generation of skilled trades professionals and creating meaningful opportunities that lead to real careers.

Funded in whole or part through WIOA/USDOL. This is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

06/12/2026

💻👏 Congratulations to Manuel "Manny" Cavyell on a successful Work Experience at Comp-U-Talk in Coos Bay! 👏💻

Manny started working as an IT Bench Tech in April, putting years of self-taught computer building and networking experience to work in a real-world setting. Thanks to the support of Janet Riley, owner of Comp-U-Talk and Medical Outfitters, Manny was able to step into a role that matched his technical skills while also helping him develop valuable customer service experience.

One of Manny's favorite parts of the job is building new PCs and transferring customers' data from their old computers to their new systems. While the technical side came naturally, learning to work the register and interact with customers pushed him outside of his comfort zone.

🗣️ "At first, working the register and talking to people was challenging because I wasn't used to doing that and I didn't feel comfortable. But working with Jerry and Janet has helped me and it became easier the more I practiced."

This is exactly what Work Experiences are designed to do—help participants build both the hard skills and soft skills needed for long-term success. 🚀

We're excited to share that things have gone so well that Manny will continue working part-time at Comp-U-Talk after his Work Experience ends! 🎉

Please join us in congratulating Manny on his accomplishments and thanking Janet Riley and the team at Comp-U-Talk for investing in the next generation of skilled workers. 👏💙

Funded in whole or part through WIOA/USDOL. This is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.


Comp-U-Talk

06/11/2026

📢NEW THIS SUMMER! 📢 Interested in welding? WLD 100 is the perfect place to start.

This introductory course provides training in oxy-acetylene and plasma cutting, oxy-fuel welding, and more, while emphasizing safety and efficiency. As the first course in the SWOCC welding program and a prerequisite for advanced classes, WLD 100 is a great opportunity to explore the trade, see if the program is a good fit, and get a head start on Fall Term.

Interested? Call 541-888-7352 or email [email protected]

06/04/2026

🌲Work Experience Spotlight: Oregon Conservation Corps🌲

We're excited to highlight our participants working with the Oregon Conservation Corps through our Work Experience (WEX) Program!

Throughout their placement, participants have gained valuable hands-on experience while contributing to important conservation, beautification, and community improvement projects. Their work has included:

🌱 Facility cleaning and organization
🌳 Groundskeeping and landscaping
🔥 Brush clearing and defensible space work
🚮 Litter and debris removal
🎨 Basic painting and maintenance preparation
📦 Supply inventory and materials support
🏞️ Community area maintenance and upkeep
🌲 Reforestation support, including tree and vegetation planting
🌾 Agricultural work, including planting, harvesting, and w**ding
🛠️ General labor support for community beautification and conservation projects

Participant Spotlight

"I like doing the forestry work and helping out on campus with different projects. I'm just happy for the experience and the new friends that I've made."
— Rylan Huffman

"I'm learning how to be part of a work team and to feel more comfortable working with other people. I appreciate that they're willing to work with us and help us problem solve when things come up."
— WEX Participant

"I appreciate everyone's help to make this happen. I really enjoy the forestry work and being outside and up in the mountains. I'm hoping that this might lead to a permanent job later on."
— Keynie Scott

Programs like this provide much more than work experience—they help participants build confidence, develop workplace skills, explore career pathways, and build connections that can lead to future employment opportunities.

🙏 A huge thank you to the Oregon Conservation Corps staff for investing in the next generation of workers and providing participants with opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to projects that make a lasting impact on our communities and environment.

Together, we're building skills, creating opportunities, and making a difference—one project at a time!

Funded in whole or part through WIOA/USDOL. This is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

🌲🌿

06/04/2026

🚒 Exploring Careers in Fire & Emergency Services at Glide Rural Fire Protection District! 🚑

Our Work Experience (WEX) participants are gaining valuable hands-on experience while supporting the important work being done at Glide Rural Fire Protection District. Through this opportunity, participants have been learning about the day-to-day operations of a fire station while contributing to projects that help keep the facility and surrounding community safe and well-maintained.

Their responsibilities have included:
✅ Facility cleaning and organization
✅ Equipment cleaning and care (non-technical)
✅ Groundskeeping and landscaping
✅ Brush clearing and defensible space projects
✅ Litter and debris removal
✅ Painting and maintenance preparation
✅ Supply inventory support
✅ Vehicle and apparatus bay upkeep
✅ Community area maintenance
✅ General labor assistance for station improvement projects

Here's what participants had to say about their experience:

💬 Jhett Cannon shared:
"It's been a really interesting experience learning how the fire department and EMS work together and their synergies with each other. I would definitely encourage others to volunteer for their local fire department."

💬 Taylor Larson said:
"I've really enjoyed the people and the environment at the fire station. I've started doing some training on the side on the weekends and would like to volunteer after my work experience ends if it works out."

We're proud to partner with Glide Rural Fire Protection District to provide local youth with meaningful career exploration opportunities, valuable workplace skills, and exposure to careers that make a difference in our communities.

Thank you to the staff at Glide Rural Fire Protection District for investing in the next generation of workers and community leaders!

*Funded in whole or part through WIOA/USDOL. This is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

🚒👩‍🚒👨‍🚒
Glide Rural Fire Protection District

06/03/2026

🌟 Making an Impact at the Douglas County Museum! 🌟

Our youth participants have been gaining valuable hands-on work experience while making a meaningful contribution to the Douglas County Museum. From painting and minor repairs to commercial cleaning and visitor assistance, these young workers are building skills that will serve them well in their future careers.

🗣️ “These youth are a godsend, helping us tackle projects with efficiency we normally wouldn’t be able to attain. They’re learning the fundamentals of various trades, such as painting, minor repair, commercial cleaning, etc.”
— James Davis, Director, Douglas County Museum

🗣️ “It has been a pleasure to work with our office trainee and support their professional growth. Their enthusiasm, fresh perspective, and willingness to learn have been a valuable addition to our Museum Team.”
— Tyler Faulkenbury

We're especially proud to hear directly from the youth about their experiences:

💬 “I really like being at the Museum. I get to work outside. I like helping people find their way around the museum. I like helping out the people that work here and they are really nice to work with. The museum has a really nice atmosphere. I like painting and cleaning around the museum. I would love to continue working here after the month is over.”
— Havannah Miller

💬 “I really enjoy working with the museum, they are a joy to work alongside, and the work itself is fulfilling.”
— Raiden Stokes

💬 “I've really enjoyed the time I'm getting to spend at the museum. They trust me to get my work done, and I enjoy the work that I'm doing. It's been really great getting into the routine of working—normally that's the hardest thing for me—so it's been really helpful.”
— Alexander Bremser

👏 Thank you to the Douglas County Museum for providing a supportive environment where young people can develop workplace skills, gain confidence, and explore potential career paths. We look forward to seeing what these youth accomplish next!

*Funded in whole or part through WIOA/USDOL. This is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.


Douglas County Museum Foundation

06/03/2026

🔍 Looking for your next job opportunity?

Join us at the 2026 Job Fair on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM at the Coos Bay Library!

Connect with local employers, learn about career opportunities, and take the next step toward your dream job. Best of all, no registration is required for job seekers—just show up and start making connections!

Whether you're looking for your first job, a new career path, or your next great opportunity, this event is for you.

Our Recruit HIPPO Youth Program Advisor Corey Haan will be on site to support youth ages 16-24 that are out-of-school.

Corey's Info:
[email protected]
541-252-2394

📍 Coos Bay Public Library
📅 June 10, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Tag a friend who is job searching and help spread the word!

Coos Bay Library

05/28/2026

The City of Coquille Work Experience crew has been hard at work over the past four weeks helping get the community ready for a busy summer festival season! 🌿☀️

Landscape Crew Members Caleb Coffman, Micah Hebert, Sorangely Ortiz-Otero, and Lillyan Waters have been tackling projects across the city including w**d whacking, mowing, leaf blowing, pressure washing, and more at local parks and the City water plant.

This opportunity was designed to benefit both the participants and the City of Coquille as preparations ramp up for summer events like Coquille River Days, Cops and Cars, and Steak and Shine.

When asked about the experience, crew member Micah Hebert shared:
“Oh yeah, it’s awesome. It’s paying me to be outside and work out full time. I just wish it lasted longer, but overall, great job.”

The experience has also helped participants explore future career interests. Crew member Lillyan Waters recently discovered an interest in automotive mechanics after visiting a local mechanic shop with the crew:
“I found myself wondering what different pieces did, where they go and if they worked on certain cars and not others. It seems really interesting.”

We are grateful for the partnership to support youth with the City of Coquille.

*Funded in whole or part through WIOA/USDOL. This is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

Great work to this crew for all they’ve accomplished, and thank you for helping keep Coquille looking its best! 👏