The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Assistance available for teens seeking jobs
There are a multitude of resources available in Lake County for the growing number of youths seeking employment.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in 2016 the youth labor force for 16- to 24-year-olds working or actively looking for work grew sharply between April and July.
During those months, large numbers of high school and college students searched for or accepted summer jobs.
From April to July 2016, the number of employed youth rose by 1.9 million, according the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Teens and young adults who are looking for seasonal work are greatly impacted by the diverse job market.
Often they are competing with unemployed older adults and many graduates who are seeking permanent employment. Therefore finding employment can be challenging.
However, there are many community resources to help.
“Here at Riverside High School, we introduce job opportunities to students in a variety of ways,” College and Career Readiness Coordinator Keith Manos said. “Probably like most schools, we make PA announcements and have a job board where we post seasonal employment possibilities like
lifeguarding or landscaping and yearly employment options-like working at an assisted-living nursing home or for a local retailer. The employers typically contact the school with a flyer and we post it.”
In addition to announcing part-time and temporary jobs, Manos assists students in career planning and exploration.
“I also escort students to various job fairs where they can dialogue informally with a multitude of employers at one site and to actual manufacturing plants, like Lincoln Electric, where they get a tour and hear about employment options,” he said. “I do mini-lessons in the classrooms about both college and career planning to introduce job trends and the expectations employers have of the 21st century employee.”
Manos said it is interesting that most students, even those who have already had part-time employment, are not aware of their rights as employees.
Riverside High School junior Jacob Bennett, who also attends Auburn Career Center, is preparing for a paid internship at Environmental Conditioning Systems in Mentor.
“It’s a great opportunity,” he said.
Bennett will gain practical experience in heating, ventilation and air conditioning, the field he has been studying.
The benefits of teen employment include skill development and career readiness.
The National Association of Colleges and Employers defines career readiness through seven competencies including intercultural fluency, career management, professionalism, leadership, digital technology,
teamwork, communications and problem solving. Each area is necessary when applying for a position and succeeding on the job.
There are several barriers that negatively affect employment success.
OhioMeansJobs Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program is designed to tackle many of those barriers by helping eligible, low-income individuals ages 16 to 24, said Employment and Training Programs Manager Terri Richards.
Potential barriers may include a basic skill deficit, criminal juvenile or adult record, parenting youth, disability or foster care, Richards said.
This intensive program provides services to support goals outlined in their individual opportunity plan, which may include support to obtain a high school diploma, job placement, work experience, and other supportive services such as child care and transportation.
Richards also encourages youth who are looking for jobs that may not qualify for the Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program to visit the resource room at 105 Main St. in Painesville. There are professional staff on-site to help job seekers with resume writing, applying for jobs and interviewing.
Other youth employment resources are available at www.lakecountyohio.gov/ omjlake/Youth.aspx .
In addition to announcing part-time and temporary jobs, Manos assists students in career planning and exploration.