A CAREER EXPLORATION PARTNER
For employers, hiring youth is a fulfilling and cost-effective way to address critical business needs. These may include filling entry-level job vacancies, completing overlooked administrative projects or addressing coverage gaps during staff vacations or busy seasons. Hiring youth also allows employers to take advantage of the energy and enthusiasm young people bring to their work. Because they have grown up around computers and mobile devices, many young people also possess fluency with technology which can be an immediate asset in the modern workplace.
For teens, early work experiences play a significant role in their transition to adulthood, by building their sense of self-esteem and independence; allowing them to contribute to their household income and introducing them to both experiences and role models that may shape the way they think about their futures.
By introducing young people to a profession, employers can begin the process of educating the next wave of workers in their industry. The result can be a workplace with increased morale and a greater diversity of skills, perspectives and backgrounds.
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
Guest Speaker
Provide a short presentation to a classroom or student group
Commitment: less than an hour
Mock Interview
Help teens hone their interview skills
Commitment: under three hours
Youth Committee
A collaboration among businesses and educational professionals, local government, community leaders and youth that aim to provide all youth with opportunities to become productive members of the community.
Commitment: Bi-monthly meeting that last 1.5 hours
Job Shadow
Provide a tour, informational interview and sample work duties
Commitment: under four hours and lunch
Company Tour
Show off your place of business and give insights to the many types of jobs available there
Commitment: under four hours
Career Fair
Inform teens on the details surrounding your occupation and work duties
Commitment: under four hours
Job Fair
Participate in a job fair that targets young adults
Commitment: under four hours
Host an Extern
Provide a teacher with a chance to learn about your industry from the inside and develop relevant student materials
Commitment: Minimum of 50 hours
Sponsor Summer Job
Provide a structured summer employment opportunity for a local teen at your site or at a local non-profit
Commitment: Roughly $1,600
Host an Intern
Provide a temporary work-and-learning opportunity for a local teen
Commitment: Your time to train and mentor