High school students attend youth job fair in Seaside

Central Coast high school students got a little help planning their future with a job fair in Seaside Wednesday.

The Monterey County Workforce Development Board put on the youth job fair.

Over 30 businesses and organizations participated trying to attract potential employees.

Monterey High senior Devin Mandurrago was one of the students looking for a part-time job before college. He said he wants to help out his family while it is still summer.

“I put a couple resumes out there, seeing what’s going on. You know, lost a few, got a few and seeing what’s really out there,” said Devin Mandurrago.

However, Mandurrago’s story is becoming less common.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says teen employment during summer has dropped in the last decade. It is down about 20 percent since 19-74. Teens also have more competition.

A spokesperson for the Monterey County Workforce Development Board suggests that there is an uptick in older folks looking for entry level jobs.

“I think there has been and that’s just the way of things are now. Certainly there is still lots of opportunity for young people to explore new opportunities for them,” said Laura Kershner, with the Monterey County Workforce Development Board.

Teens told KION parents are being more lenient when it comes to them working. They want their education to come first.

“Yeah, well that’s what my mom did. Like she wanted me to study more and like she wanted me to have more time for other things than like have a job to be obligated to do,” said Seaside High senior Jannet Noriega.

Despite these changes, students like Mandurrago don’t seem scared of what the future holds.

“There are a lot of opportunities out there that I’ve seen pretty much open, especially because I just turned 18. Just kind of out there looking and yeah there is a lot of opportunity out there.”