2004 Michigan Teen Summber Job Market Will Be Competitive

Contact: Maura Campbell (517) 373-9280

Agency: Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

May 20, 2004

The state's recent employment trends, the national outlook and normal seasonal patterns for June, July and August indicate the teen labor market situation will continue to be very competitive this summer.  The downward trend in teen labor force participation over the past several years is anticipated to stabilize in the summer of 2004. The number of teens in the job market should rise by 5,100 to 343,200 for the June-August 2004 period. 

The still-competitive nature of this summer's job market is reflected in the expected nominal rise in the teen unemployment rate to 17.6 percent from 17.2 percent in the summer of 2003.  Even in more favorable labor market conditions, teen jobless rates are relatively high compared to the overall unemployment rate. A total of 282,800 teens are expected to find jobs in the summer of 2004. The number of unemployed teens is projected to be 2,200 higher than last summer as more teens are expected to be looking for work.

Source: Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth, Office of Labor Market Information, Labor Market Research & Forecasting Section.

The Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth, Office of Labor Market Information, recommends these tips for finding a summer job:

·         Start looking early.
·         Keep looking.
·         Visit establishments.
·         Let friends and neighbors know you are looking.
·         Think about self-employment: lawn service, pet sitting, etc.

The industries and occupations that typically provide good job prospects for teens are listed below.  Labor force participants under 18 years of age are subject to the Youth Employment Standards Act (YESA), PA 90 of 1978.  If you have questions about the Youth Employment Standards Act, contact the Wage and Hour Division at (517) 322-1825 or visit www.michigan.gov/wagehour and click on Youth Employment.

Teen Summer Employment Opportunities by Industry

·         Agriculture
·         Amusement and recreation services
·         Camps and trailer parks
·         Construction
·         Department/retail stores
·         Food canning and processing
·         Fruit and vegetable stores
·         Gifts/sporting goods/bookstores
·         Grocery stores
·         Hotels and motels
·         Landscape and horticulture services
·         Museums/galleries/zoos
·         Restaurants
·         Warehousing

Teen Summer Employment Opportunities by Occupation

·         Camp counselor/day care worker
·         Car washer
·         Cashier
·         Construction helper
·         Delivery person
·         Farm hand/landscape helper
·         Fast food worker
·         Food market clerk
·         Golf course worker
·         Library aide
·         Office clerk
·         Receptionist
·         Sales clerk
·         Stock clerk
·         Usher/attendant
·         Waiter/Waitress