Summer is right around the corner! For many teens it means a three, carefree months of fun in the sun. For others it's time to find their first job. However, teens seeking summer employment may need to look a little harder.
With the increase in minimum wage, available postitions in part-time, nonprofessional fields, which teens typically fill, have become limited. Due to the higher cost of labor, employers want more experienced and mature works, which especially effects teens looking for their first job. If employers are looking for experience and no one will hire, how are teens expected to gain experience?
Another speculated reason for the increase in teen unemployment is due to immigrants. In other areas with a higher number of immigrants, such as California, Florida, Texas, etc., employers are more willing to hire adult immigrants compared to teenagers. Employers feel more comfortable hiring adults with some experience than teenagers with no experience. According to the CIS, the Center for Immigration Studies, "In the summer of 2007, in the 10 occupations employing the most U.S.-born teenagers, one in five workers was an immigrant". And that number is only increasing.
Not only do teenagers miss out on work experience, but on numerous other lessons. There is much that a job can teach teenagers, including money management, work ethic, and more. For example, teenagers that have jobs throughout high school will more likely aim for employment following high school, whether they be in college or not. This gives them the drive and understanding of how to effectively support themselves. Also, teens that work and attend school, high school or college, better learn time management and organization. Managing one's time between class, studying/homework, and work is an important factor that teenagers will take with them the rest of their lives.
So how can teenagers gain work experience if they can't find employment? VOLUNTEER! Tutoring and working at a homeless shelter, nursing home, hospital, or animal shelter are great places to learn key lessons about the working world. This show an employer that a teen knows how to work with others, manage time, deal with difficult situations with fellow co-workers or patrons.
There is plenty alternatives for unemployed teens. They just have to look!
With the increase in minimum wage, available postitions in part-time, nonprofessional fields, which teens typically fill, have become limited. Due to the higher cost of labor, employers want more experienced and mature works, which especially effects teens looking for their first job. If employers are looking for experience and no one will hire, how are teens expected to gain experience?
Another speculated reason for the increase in teen unemployment is due to immigrants. In other areas with a higher number of immigrants, such as California, Florida, Texas, etc., employers are more willing to hire adult immigrants compared to teenagers. Employers feel more comfortable hiring adults with some experience than teenagers with no experience. According to the CIS, the Center for Immigration Studies, "In the summer of 2007, in the 10 occupations employing the most U.S.-born teenagers, one in five workers was an immigrant". And that number is only increasing.
Not only do teenagers miss out on work experience, but on numerous other lessons. There is much that a job can teach teenagers, including money management, work ethic, and more. For example, teenagers that have jobs throughout high school will more likely aim for employment following high school, whether they be in college or not. This gives them the drive and understanding of how to effectively support themselves. Also, teens that work and attend school, high school or college, better learn time management and organization. Managing one's time between class, studying/homework, and work is an important factor that teenagers will take with them the rest of their lives.
So how can teenagers gain work experience if they can't find employment? VOLUNTEER! Tutoring and working at a homeless shelter, nursing home, hospital, or animal shelter are great places to learn key lessons about the working world. This show an employer that a teen knows how to work with others, manage time, deal with difficult situations with fellow co-workers or patrons.
There is plenty alternatives for unemployed teens. They just have to look!
No comments:
Post a Comment