WKTV featured a story on teens trying to find employment this summer and the difficulty in doing so. The story below highlights a great opportunity for nonprofits to offer unique experiences to teens looking for summer work or learning experiences.
As WKTV relates, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for 16 to 19 year olds is now at 21.7%. That's up 15.8% from this time last year.
Teens also have another hurdle to cross; competing for low-paying jobs with people who have been recently laid off.
"(Teens) don't have the work experience, they don't have the work maturity and they don't have the work ethic an adult would bring to the job," said David Mathis, the director of Oneida County Workforce Development.
Teens who start looking for a summer job now might have a tougher time then teens who started the search months ago, he said.
But there are ways to make your teen more marketable. Mathis said to make sure your teen networks with potential employers and other teens. He said talking with peers helps teens learn how to find jobs best suited for them.
Mathis also suggested teens practice their interviewing skills, and continue to work and build their resume.
If your teen still can't find a job, Mathis said look to volunteering.
"Work for a non-profit or community agency. What you want to do is build your resume, you want to have something that's positive," he said.
"I know you want to make a paycheck, I know you want to have some money, but more than likely the experience will help you next year or the year after."
Numbers to Know:
Working Solutions:Oneida County- (315) 793-2229 Herkimer County- (315) 867-1400 Madison County- (315) 363-2400www.working-solutions.org
Herkimer County Youth Bureau: (315) 867-1213
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment