Work Shift is the nation’s leading independent news site focused exclusively on the intersection of education and work. Over the coming year, we’re deepening our coverage of California — the largest state, and one making some of the most interesting moves in the country around education and career.
To do that well, we’re looking to work with experienced, California-based freelance reporters who know the state’s regions, industries, and institutions and can help us tell these stories from the ground.
What we’re covering.
Our California reporting centers on two areas, and we’re looking for freelancers who can contribute to either:
AI and labor market impacts in California industries. Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how people prepare for, access, and keep good jobs. We want sophisticated, regionally grounded coverage of how that shift is playing out in specific industries and places. We’re especially interested in how nondegree credentials, apprenticeship, and other forms of work-based learning are (or could be) helping people in fast-growing regions with low degree attainment, and in how AI is reshaping jobs and driving reskilling and training efforts.
Evolving education models for working learners. Higher education, workforce, and government leaders need better information about new models serving working learners. We’re interested in Workforce Pell implementation in California; the marriage of CTE and dual enrollment; apprenticeship models for youth and adults, including degree apprenticeship; hybrid college models; and community colleges serving as hubs for regional workforce and economic development.
Who we’re looking for.
Experienced reporters with a track record covering education, workforce, labor, business, or related policy — ideally with deep familiarity with California broadly or specific regions. Strong candidates can turn complex topics into clear, engaging stories for a knowledgeable audience and can work independently with editorial support from our team.
The commitment.
This is freelance, assignment-based work, not a full-time role. We’re building relationships with a handful of reporters we can work with regularly over the coming year, on a mix of shorter pieces and more ambitious features. Volume and cadence are flexible and can be worked out to fit your schedule. Rates are competitive and set based on the specific assignment.
Interested?
If you’re interested, please fill out this brief form. We review submissions on a rolling basis and will follow up if there’s a fit.