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Summer Jobs Are Scarce

By Erika von Tiehl

Summer Jobs Are Scarce

July 8, 2010 Updated Jul 8, 2010 at 4:03 PM EDT

Fast food, retail and entertainment are the industries that provide teens with summer jobs, but not this year. Teenagers hoping to fill their summer with work may be out of luck this year. The Center for Labor Market Studies found that the unemployment rate for teens may hit a record high this summer. But there are things your kid can do to beat the competition and gain valuable skills with or without a job.

Experts predict the employment rate for teenagers to hit a 57-year low this summer, with only a third of kids looking for work finding a job. One reason for the change: High school kids are competing with college students and laid-off workers. Experts add that parents have to teach their kids how to be more "employable." Tell them about what you did to get your job, and what employers are looking for. Also, teens might not know about the importance of punctuality and 'hard work.' Those are the skills that can help kids get an edge. Experts also say that you can help your kids by exposing them to your job, and if they can't find work, encourage them to get an internship or be a volunteer.

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