Summer outlook good for job-seeking youths - May 17, 2007

07-031

Media contacts: David Wallace, 360-438-4818
Caitlin Cormier, 360-902-9215

Audio: http://fortress.wa.gov/esd/portal/info/newsroom/audiofiles/audionews

OLYMPIA – Job prospects this summer for teenagers and young adults are better than they have been since 2000, according to the state Employment Security Department. 

According to a new report published by the department, the number of people aged 14 to 24 with jobs in 2006 grew by about 36,400, or 6 percent, compared to 2005.  Employment Security economists expect the job market for this age group to be even better this year. 

“While the types of jobs that are open to young people haven’t broadened much, there will be a lot more openings available,” said economist David Wallace, author of the report. “In most cases, they just have to get out there and look, and the jobs will be there.”

Lodging, food service and retail service continue to be the most common jobs for teens and young adults. The number of jobs in retail trade climbed by 5,200 from March 2006 to March 2007, and lodging and food service jobs increased by 6,100 during the same period.  Anecdotal evidence, such as surveys and reports from employers, shows the prospects for summer employment are extremely positive for young people.

By contrast, in 2005, the number of 16- to 19-year-olds holding summer jobs had dropped to a historic low of 53 percent of that age group.  The trend reversed in 2006, with a slight rise in the number of young people getting jobs. 

Wallace said that he also is seeing an upsurge in the hiring of college graduates.

The report can be found on the Employment Security Web site, at www.workforceexplorer.com, under “Summer Job Outlook for Younger Workers” in the What’s New section on the right side of the page.

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