(Host) As summer begins, teenagers are heading to work at creemee stands, swimming pools, and supermarkets across the region. And in Vermont, they’re facing a job market with of the highest unemployment rate in 14 years.
But John Vowles, a regional manager with the state’s Department of Labor says overall unemployment rates shouldn’t have much of an impact on job-seeking teens in Vermont.
(Vowles) "One of the things that’s actually helping a little bit, with them finding summer jobs is the fact that the labor force is not growing. In some other areas of the country, it’s growing, and they’re competing with adults, but in Vermont, unfortunately, it’s not growing."
(Host) Montpelier High School advisor Brooke Pearson says fewer employers contacted the school this year looking for students to fill positions. He says that as the job market tightens, more teenagers are choosing to look for different types of work, such as community service or volunteer projects.
(Pearson) "Of course a teenager wants that paycheck at the end of the week. It’s a very rewarding form of recognition, so to speak. Recognition of having spent time working for someone else, having done a good job. And, of course it afford the teen the opportunity to go, whether it’s buying gas or paying for the cell phone, or whatever. But, not withstanding the economic situation at the moment, yes, we’re seeing more kids involved in volunteering their time."
(Host) Pearson says, that no matter which type of work a teen chooses to do this summer, the skills such as building a work ethic, and adding experience to a resume are the same.