Summer Jobs Offer Teens Reponsibility—And Businesses Can Help Them Find One Here

Some teenagers have the motivation when school lets out to get a job, and if they can find one, they could be in for a great experience.

Teens who don’t have jobs might be tempted to relax during the two months of no homework or classes, but some might actually not be able to find a job.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, the unemployment rate for people ages 16 to 19 increased from 17.7 percent in 2006 to 25.7 percent in 2010.

Employment rates in industry sectors for people 21 and younger dropped from the third quarter of 2006 to the third quarter of 2010. The rates went from 20.2 percent to 18 percent in retail; 32.7 percent to 29.5 percent in arts, recreation and entertainment; and 33.1 percent to 29.9 percent in accommodation and food services.

By this time, most local businesses may have hired all the summer help they need, but, according to Plum Senior High School Principal Ryan Kociela, teenagers who have jobs are gaining positive attributes from the experience.

“Employment offers a teen responsibility, makes them dependable and reliable, refines interpersonal skills and improves work ethic,” he said. “It makes a successful student in school and beyond.”

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s website, a teen can begin working at 14 and all minors need a work permit, which, Kociela said, can be obtained at that teen’s high school.

Kociela said a lot of the students at Plum Senior High School who are eligible to work usually do. He said parents and the school faculty offer a lot of encouragement and support.

“Our guidance department posts jobs during the school year and we seek out certain individuals who may be a great fit for certain positions like swimmers for lifeguarding opportunities,” he said.

Terry Lutz, owner of Brr-Kee's Ice Cream and Yogurt in Oakmont, said teenagers and college students are a great help to her this summer.

“They work so hard,” she said.

Lutz, who is the new owner along with her husband, said Brr-Kee’s will remain open all year round, and they are currently looking to hire for September when the college student who work there now go back to school.

“Working gives teenagers great experiences like handing money and working with the public,” Lutz said.

Currently, half of Lutz’s staff is teenagers and some have worked there multiple summers. Also, some of those who are now in college worked there when they were in high school.

Franco’s Pizza in Plum is looking to hire a cook, and, according to manager Nicole Kearney, a teenager would do fine in the position.

“We usually have positive experiences with the teenagers we hire,” she said.

Some places teens might think need employees in the summer just do not.

For example, Nesbit’s Lanes manager Jason Felker said they employ more people during the school year.

“We’re just not that busy in the summer,” he said. “However, we have all the people we need. We just keep using the same employees.”

Kociela suggests teenagers who are looking for a job should use it as a learning experience and preparation for when they get a job as an adult.

“Having a job helps create a well-rounded student and adult,” he said.

Businesses in the Plum, Oakmont and Verona area are encouraged to post any job openings in the comment section with contact information.