If you are a teen looking for a job this summer, or the parent of a teen doing so, you might want to read on for some good news about the prospects ahead, or at least share the news with someone looking for work.
Citing a “very positive overall Michigan job market in 2019,” state of Michigan officials today have issued their Summer 2019 Job Market Forecast for Michigan Teens Aged 16 to 19. While there will be competition to fill the job openings, the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget summer forecast says there will be “significant numbers of job openings for teens” in the summer months of June through August.
The department says one clear trend each spring and summer is the large seasonal influx of teens into the labor market seeking summer jobs.
Michigan teen employment levels typically rise sharply during the summer months from a low point recorded during the first three months of the year. That pattern was less evident during the year 2010 when the state’s employment level fell to a recessionary low point, however, the seasonal teen employment advance during the summer months has been very evident from 2011-2018. That increase in employment during the summer months of this decade has ranged from 4.9-percent in 2010 to 54.2-percent in 2014. The average rise has been 27.6-percent for the 2010-2018 time period.
The industry sectors in which teens typically find summer jobs include:
- Arts, entertainment, and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
- Food and beverage stores
- Cothing and clothing accessories stores
The public sector also provides a significant number of summer jobs that are ideal for teens through summer jobs programs in areas such as parks and recreation. Many of these industries are seasonal in nature and require larger staff levels during the spring/summer period when teens are available for work.
One of the most prominent characteristics of the teen labor force over the past two decades has been a steady decline in attachment. That attachment is measured by the number of teens in the labor force divided by their population. The resulting figure is termed the Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR). National Current Population Survey (CPS) data show that in the year 2000 the annual teen LFPR was 52.0-percent with a summer increase to 59.7-percent. This participation rate recorded steady declines in the years leading up to the Great Recession and reached recessionary lows during the summer of 2011 at 34.1-percent and 40.0-percent, respectively.
Since that time, teen labor force participation has essentially remained constant nationally with an annual rate of 35.1-percent and corresponding summer rate of 40.1-percent during 2018. Some of the reasons cited for that include an increased emphasis on school and attending college; more summer school attendance; and an increased use of internships. College tuition costs have continued to rise substantially, and teen earnings are often low and now pay little towards the overall costs of college. Additionally, teens face continued competition for jobs from adult job-seekers.
Here is the State’s Summer 2019 Forecast:
About 208,200 teens (16- 19 years) are projected to find jobs in Michigan during the summer of 2019 (June-August). In addition, another 38,200 teens will be actively seeking jobs but will remain unemployed. Michigan’s teen summer jobless rate has been on a downward trend during this decade. With the positive condition of the state’s labor market in the summer of 2019, the teen unemployment rate is expected to be 15.5-percent. That is well below the teen jobless rate for most of the last decade, but remains above rates of unemployment for adults.
The Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget also offers these Summer Job Search Tips for Teens:
- Start looking early
- Keep looking
- Visit local businesses
- Let friends/neighbors know you are looking for work
- Talk with school guidance counselors
- Utilize social media, websites with job ads, and local newspaper want ads
- Think about self-employment: lawn service, pet sitting, etc.
- Visit Pure Michigan Talent Connect
Additionally, they offer some key items that may help to make a good first impression with employers:
- Dress appropriately
- Be well groomed
- Turn off and put away your cell phone
- Arrive 10 minutes early for interviews or when reporting for work
- Bring information needed to complete a job application
- Have a list of a few references with contact information
- Maintain a positive attitude and show that you want the job
The department even lists the industries that typically provide good job prospects for teens:
- Agriculture
- Amusement & Recreation Services
- Camps
- Department Stores / Retail Stores
- Fruit & Vegetable Stores
- Marinas
- Local Government Parks
- Gift/ Sporting Goods/Book Stores
- Grocery Stores
- Hotels & Motels
- Museums / Galleries / Zoos
- Restaurants
- Farmers Markets
Additionally, the state lists the types of occupations that typically provide good job prospects for teens:
- Camp Counselor
- Car Washer
- Cashier
- Delivery Person
- Fast Food Worker
- Waiter / Waitress
- Food Market Clerk
- Summer Internships – Local Government
- Golf Course Worker
- Library Aide
- Office Clerk
- Receptionist
- Sales Clerk
- Stock Clerk
- Usher/Attendant
Teens are encouraged to contact their local Michigan Works! office, inasmuch as Michigan Works! provides assistance in resume development and job search and provides access to the Pure Michigan Talent Connect.
