May 13, 2003

The state’s recent employment trends, the national outlook, and normal seasonal patterns for June, July, and August indicate the teen (ages 16-19) labor market situation will be very competitive this summer.  Teen labor force participation is anticipated to continue the downward trend of the past several years.  This pattern is expected to yield 21,300 fewer teen jobseekers, for a total of 355,300 teens seeking employment during the June through August period.

The competitive nature of this summer’s job market is reflected in the expected rise in the teen unemployment rate to 19.8 percent from 19.3 percent in the summer of 2002.  Even in favorable labor market conditions, teen jobless rates are relatively high compared to the overall unemployment rate.  With fewer teens expected to be looking for work this summer, the number of unemployed teens is projected to be 2,400 lower than last summer, but these teens will make up a greater proportion of the smaller teen labor force.  In total, 285,000 teens are expected to find jobs in the summer of 2003.

Source: Occupational Information & Research Section, Employment Service Agency, Michigan Department of Career Development.

These tips are recommended for a successful job search:

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

These industries and occupations typically provide good job prospects for teens:

Teen Summer Employment Opportunities by Industry
Agriculture
Amusement & Recreation Services
Camps & Trailer Parks
Construction
Department/Retail Stores
Food Canning & Processing
Fruit & Vegetable Stores
Gifts/Sporting Goods/Bookstores
Grocery Stores
Hotels & Motels
Landscape & 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

Labor force participants under 18 years of age are subject to the Youth Employment Standards Act, Public Act 90 of 1978, and more information on this can be found at the Michigan Legislature Web site at http://www.michiganlegislature.org under the “Freq Requested Laws” link.

The Michigan Department of Career Development (MDCD) is the state government agency charged with providing the skilled workforce Michigan needs to enhance and maintain its economy.  To this end, the state’s career and training development agency is working with employers, K-12 schools, community colleges, and local Workforce Development Boards to develop a comprehensive career development system.  For more information about the Michigan Department of Career Development, visit the department’s Web site at www.michigan.gov/mdcd or call 1-866-MY GOALS (voice/TTY).