Economy Improves, but Employers are Hiring Immigrants or Retirees Over Teens

Woodmonkey · 06-02-2005, 16:57

Quote:

Teens may be last to get summer jobs

Quote:

They are as much a part of summer's montage as miniature golf, ice cream, and muggy nights: teens dipping their toes in the world of work.

But the number of adolescents nationwide embarking on that annual rite of passage is abating. Last summer, the teen employment rate was the lowest since 1948, with only 36 percent of those ages 16 to 19 holding jobs, down from 45 percent in 2000. This year, although some economists say an improving economy may boost the prospects of older teens, the latest forecast by Northeastern University's Center for Labor Market Studies in Boston shows no budge in the overall summer employment rate.

Competition from older workers and foreigners has squeezed the market for job-hungry teens. This comes as companies, operating with ever-leaner staffs, are less prone to take on the role of mentor for young people with little or no experience.

In a parallel trend, many teens have opted out of traditional jobs in retail and recreation for unpaid internships or to enroll in sports and music camps or other activities that might buff their college applications. But for thousands of adolescents who look for work to no avail, especially those from low-income families, a dearth of summer jobs means more than a scramble for cash.

"As soon as a young person says, 'I want to work,' it's a golden opportunity to start to groom and nurture that young person," says Renee Ward, the founder of teens4hire.org, which connects teens and employers. "They make the connection between their education and the world of work ... and then can go back to school and say, 'I know why I'm here.' "

The teen employment rate typically falls with national recessions, but it is not expected to recover this summer despite an improved economy, according to the Northeastern report. It is attributed, in part, to immigrants and older workers turning to hourly work. Employers often perceive older workers to be more mature or reliable and still available long after teens have returned to school.

"A lot of companies we talk to say blatantly, 'We are not looking for young adults, we are looking for older workers,' including retirees," says Ms. Ward.

Shanice Gonsalves is hoping to overcome those barriers this summer - a feat she did not conquer last year. A high school sophomore in the Boston area, she sent out applications to T.J. Maxx, Foot Locker, Footaction, and Marshalls last summer, but they all told her she was too young, she says. She helped around the house and looked after her younger brothers and cousin instead.

This summer she is hoping to get a job at a summer camp or day care through Action for Boston Community Development's (ABCD) SummerWorks, a jobs and education program for low-income young people from Boston's inner city.

It would be her first paycheck - and she says it would get split in half, one half for her mother, the other for her older sister. "They buy all my clothes, shoes, notebooks," she says. "They do everything for me."

Teenagers from low-income families, many of whom hand over part of their paychecks to their families, have a particularly hard time finding work. "The way they speak, the way they dress, they are not accustomed to going to places on time," says Robert Coard, ABCD's president. "They don't have any networks with employers even in neighborhoods in which they live."

There are some bright signs in the teen job market. Massachusetts has restored $3 million toward youth employment programs this year. Mr. Coard says the funding could help to place 2,000 teens in jobs this summer, doubling that of last year.

And Ward says that, with 50,000 openings accessible through teens4hire.org, this year, opportunity has grown by 100 percent from 2004 - though part of that percentage change represents the company's own growth.

Demand is particularly high in tourist-heavy areas, such as Cape Cod, where employers found themselves shut out of a seasonal worker visa program earlier this year.

Even as some employers require prior work experience, some jobs are perfect for youths, says John Kraus, who manages Cape Escape Miniature Golf in Cape Cod and hires two or three teens each summer. "It's an easy-going atmosphere here," he says.

Shawn Boyer, co-founder and chief executive of SnagAJob.com, which focuses on part-time and hourly employment, says certain industries, such as product demonstration and merchandising, are coveting teens. "If you are Mountain Dew, you want teens handing out the product," he says, "It doesn't work as well if you are a 65-year-old woman [passing out the sample]."

For parents, politicians, and social workers, any chance to improve individual opportunities and keep communities safe are welcome - many say that job programs like SummerWorks steer kids away from drugs and violence.

"I would like a better future for them, than being in the streets and getting in trouble," says Clarisa Cooper, a mother and guardian of five children, one of whom is waiting to hear if she has received a job through ABCD. "They need to be looking to the future, not just thinking about the moment."

Teen summer employment
In 2004, the percentage of US teens who had jobs hit its lowest level since 1948.

Year Employment rate*

2000 45.0 %

2002 39.5

2004 36.3

*Percentage of teens, age 16 to 19, who have summer employment.

Source: Northeastern University Center for Labor Market Studies

Click here to see the source of this story

se0sea · 06-02-2005, 17:51

I think it kinda sucks. I dont mind retiriees making a little extra cash cause social security blows. but the immigrants? that aint right.

MBT · 06-02-2005, 22:19

It friggin hard enough to get a job at places like Wal-Mart, with age restrictions, now there hiring immigarants over us teens, I went out to get a summer job today, and am finding it even harder to find one now than before. It's just not right!! They can work in there own country!!!

JohnRN · 06-02-2005, 23:21

Even though I have a "conflict of intrest" here, lemme add a few observations of mine:

1. In all my years in college, I've mostly worked two jobs. The lowest paying, hard labour type jobs. Janitor, trash hauler, dishwasher - you get the picture. In the two years that I worked these jobs --- the hours and pay sucked, work was hard (I'd be scrubbing dishes for 12 hours flat in an over-heated, steamed up stinking, noisy and loud dishroom. Or be out hauling trash, refuse, organic waste and cleaning garbage rooms in below freezing weather). I used to regularly dice and mince more than 40 lbs of onions in less than 90 minutes flat with nothing more than a knife and a board --- I estimate that 80% of the workforce was immigrant. Very few American kids worked there. Right before I left that job (got fired actually), I used to help one of the Student Managers out. About time for hiring for the new semester, we'd get applications from people seeking work. We never handled outside (non-student) employees - those guys went through the union. Over 65% of all applications we recieved were from immigrants. Those citizens who applied and were accepted, rarely stayed longer than one semester.

2. It is only recently, after much persistant effort, that I managed to hook the Consultant job. This had a lot to do not just with my assertiveness and technical skills, but my language and communication skills as well. I beat plenty of local competition - including American boys and girls.

The situation is true all over campus - libraries, gyms, yard and labour, security, GAs, TAs - they are stuffed chockful with immigrants.

I have tons of American friends - most of them choose not to work. A girl I know makes her money by acting as a maid at a few houses she knows. One of my oldest friends from my first job still works that back breaking job because he likes his car and doesn't want to be dependent on his parents. A lot of the kids I know here won't touch that job - many sneer about "I ain't doin' that kinda job man! Haulin' trash through winter? Hell no!"

Others join but quit within a semester - citing various reasons but mostly because it's hard, hard labour. Some are so irresponsible that management has no choice but to kick them out.

I must also mention that there are many of my immigrant friends who look at these jobs with disdain - and prefer to stay unemployed.

This situation is not unique amongst the workforce alone. I had a double hard time finding accomodation simply because:

1. I was male
2. I was an undergraduate
3. I was an immigrant

Most of the landlords I know politely explained to me that they don't like leasing to undergrads because of the constant head aches, trouble and a trashed house at the end of the lease. I was lucky to find a good landlord and I remain a good tenant because this couple have been more than generous and kind to me.

I guess what I'm trying to arrive at is that the problem might be more complex than it seems. Corporations and companies are responsible for the bottom line - they want to hire the best for the cheapest. If immigrants with language and cultural barriers and problems are making it - why are American students finding it hard?

If we say that it's wrong to lower the standards for the Army just so that women can join, is it ok for companies to lower their standards just so that an American should be hired?

I realise what I just said sounds very harsh and perhaps outta line - but that is not my intent. Please think about it...

Ofcourse, I speak only from what I know first hand and what some of my other friends experience at their own Universities across America.

KBay84 · 06-02-2005, 23:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by se0sea

I think it kinda sucks. I dont mind retiriees making a little extra cash cause social security blows. but the immigrants? that aint right.

I was in high school, on the wrestling team and still trying to find a job for a little scratch for the weekend festivities. Illegals had pretty much taken over the kitchen and dishwasher jobs. And that was in Illinois, for cripes sake!

Snowden · 06-02-2005, 23:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBT

It friggin hard enough to get a job at places like Wal-Mart, with age restrictions, now there hiring immigarants over us teens, I went out to get a summer job today, and am finding it even harder to find one now than before. It's just not right!! They can work in there own country!!!

One reason it's so hard for you is no doubt that the immigrants are willing to work hard and long for less than you and your peers are willing to do, MBT. Not you personally; but as a group.

People like John come here just as our ancestors did - the only reason the people from other countries are here instead of working, studying, etc. in their own countries of birth is because they can not work there. They can make a decent living here, and they work for it. They come and work as John has described. They study and usually learn more than our kids because they have something our kids - your peers do not have.

They know what it's like back home. They can compare what seems not good to you, with what they would have if they stayed near those they love in their own land. That's the spirit that built this country. So long as we have kids who prefer to rest on their butts while someone else pays their way and are comfortable with that situation, people from other lands will come and continue where our ancestors left off.

I've seen people come here from other lands and work hard, starting with nothing and having a business for their childlren to inherit - in one generation. Yet the pampered darlings who grow up here and have it all handed to them are too spoiled to work for it as these newcomers do.

Don't take this personally - even your problems getting work are not personal. It's the very many of your peers who are lazy, don't want to work or study - blame them. When you get a chance to show yourself willing to work and study, try to impress would-be employers with that. I wish you luck, though I don't know what advice to give you as to how to make yourself look good. My generation had some of the same problems, but we lived in areas where the families were known, and if those families were respected, the kids had a good chance. Now people are scattered; that's another problem.

I do wish you luck. Read what John has said; know that working that type of job really can pay off. If you are determined to succeed, nothing can stop you.

USA11B · 06-03-2005, 01:07

One thing I noticed that changed dramatically in the work force, pertaining to new hires, was the interview process. Eons ago when I was job hunting, one simply went to a place that advertised that they were hiring or someone 'tipped' you that this was a good time to check back on an applied for job.
Today that aint the case. In conversation with some young ones being hired at my place employment I find out the interview and screening process had changed, radically from my initial employment. The applicant must convince the Human Relations department.....don't know how that evolved from personnel department... that you are the one for the job, that you have something to offer the company.
At my last place of employment I was told that H.R. brought in 100 applicants at a time, an expected 75 of those would not pass the drug test, often another 10 to 15 could not pass the background check, as much as it was allowed, then about half of those that passed all these conditions could not pass or meet a physical standard that the company could legally use.
This is just a statement about what I perceive the completion for entry level jobs to be, even the low paying un attractive ones.