LAS VEGAS -- While the nation's economy may be improving, a new summer employment study shows teens looking for a summer job are facing huge hurdles. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows their employment is at its lowest level since the early 1960's.
Teens looking for traditional summer positions in the fast food industry or at movie theaters are being trumped by people older and more experienced. But believe it or not, the job market is actually better than last year.
William Burrell says landing a summer job in Las Vegas is tough. The teen's search to earn extra money took him out of the state. "I've had to go to a California state fair to get a job. I had to call my uncle and he had to get me a job there," he said.
While summer employment improved last year over 2008, overall employment among teens was slightly lower. Nearly 5.9 million teens ages 16 to 19 had a summer job last year.
The Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation understands the lack of work available in Las Vegas, which is why it put 1,200 students to work using a federal grant program.
"We basically ask employers to bring in the students into their offices or their different industries and give them jobs and the program pays the students," said Mae Worthey.
It was so popular, the program hit its cap and many teens were turned away. Numbers were high because many of their parents are out of work.
"They want to be able to contribute, but they also want to be able to take care of themselves, help with their own school clothing or just be productive," said Worthey.
Unsuccessful in their search, high school students say more of their classmates are taking summer classes.
"It was just easier for them to come to summer school to get ahead, that way when school starts back up, they can use that time to look for a job," said Burrell.
While experts understand it's difficult, they urge teens to not give up. They say consider volunteering to sharpen skills. You may not be rewarded with money, but they say that experience may make the difference in you being offered a job somewhere down the line.
