May 6, 2008 – School days are winding down and many Michigan teens are on the hunt for summer employment. The Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth projects that Michigan's teen summer labor market will continue to be competitive this year – as it is across the nation – so teens are encouraged to be creative in their searches. 

In total, 243,600 teens are expected to find jobs this summer in Michigan.  Some tips from the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth to help find a summer job are:

In addition, these are things you can do to make a good first impression with employers:

Teens can also call 1-800-285-WORKS and be connected to the nearest Michigan Works! office.  Michigan Works! offers to help teens develop resumes and connect them to job openings.  Teens can also visit www.michworks.org to search for jobs.  The associated Michigan Talent Bank has job openings posted on-line and can be a helpful tool in identifying employers with vacancies. 

"Even in stronger labor market environments, teens experience elevated levels of competition for jobs during the summer months," said Rick Waclawek, director of DLEG's Labor Market Information & Strategic Initiatives. "This is due in part to the large influx of young jobseekers during the late spring and early summer months.  Typically, the number of teens entering the labor force will start to rise sharply in May and reach a peak in July."  

Since 2000, teen labor market participation both nationally and in Michigan has been on the decline. This downward trend is exacerbated in Michigan by increases in summer school enrollment as the requirements for high school graduation have become more rigorous.  In addition, the state's recent labor market environment has increased the likelihood of teens competing with adults who are seeking second jobs to supplement household income.

The industries and occupations that typically provide good job prospects for teens are listed in the tables below.

Although the number of teens employed this summer is a three percent drop from the 2007 level, the number of teens actively looking for employment is also projected to drop by over 5,000.  The resulting teen unemployment rate of 23.3 is an increase of 1.3 percentage points, or 3,000 teens, over last summer.

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

Employers, parents and teens are reminded that workers under 18 years of age are subject to the Youth Employment Standards Act (YESA), PA 90 of 1978.  Information on the YESA can be found at: http://michigan.gov/dleg. Click on Wage and Hour Division then Youth Employment.

Read more Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth press releases.