Monterey County teens look for summer jobs
Summer is almost here and for many Monterey County teens, it is now time to find a summer job.
At the Salinas Aquatic Center, 18 year old Alma Diaz does just about everything.
“I am answering phones calls, I am talking to kids, Spanish speakers and English speakers,” said Diaz.
It’s all a part of her part time summer job.
“The hours are super flexible, I don’t miss out on school, I always have time to do my homework and study,” added Diaz.
Diaz’ boss, Christina Madrigal, told KION that hiring teens goes beyond just valuable life experience.
“It also gives them a boost in self-esteem,” said Madrigal. “They can have their own responsibility and they learn that early on,” added Madrigal.
The approach by the Salinas Aquatic Center could be a sign of better days ahead for teens looking for jobs.
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics, in April of 2016, youth unemployment stood at 10.8%. At the same time last year is was 11.6%. But just because stats are improving nationwide doesn’t mean everywhere is getting better.
“I think this is going to be a really tough time for teens,” said Maryann Leffel, the president of the Monterey County Business Council Board.
According to Leffel, many Monterey County employers are often hiring older people.
“Many companies that used to take a chance on 16 year olds or a 15 and half year old with a work permit, (those jobs) are not even available.”
Leffell uses fast food restaurants as an example, saying that many managers now hire more retirees and other older people who are looking for full time work instead of part time.
“They are people who are looking for a paycheck and it is not a part time job for them, it is their life,” said Leffel.
Back at the pool, Diaz’s co-worker Victoria Ramirez shows exactly what the power of a job can do for a teen.
“My next step is going into the police academy,” said Ramirez. “Sadly, I am going to leave this job, but it has taught me a lot of leadership skills and people skills,” added Ramirez.
