Working a summer job as a teenager is more than just earning extra cash. It’s an opportunity to gain further independence, develop life skills, and a pathway toward self-discovery.
Whether it’s working at a fast-food restaurant, lifeguarding at a community pool, or interning at a local business, work experience gained as a teenager can help shape the trajectory of one’s future.
Thankfully in Colorado, the state is offering the Governor’s Summer Job Hunt that has connected tens of thousands of high school and college-aged students with Colorado employers. The youth employment program announced the beginning of its 43rd year in a release from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.
“The Governor’s Summer Job Hunt is a critical early step in building an engaged and resilient workforce for Colorado. More than 50 state and county-run Workforce Centers and the State Youth Development Council will be joining forces with us, ready to work with another generation of young job seekers this summer.” said Colorado Department of Labor and Employment Executive Director Joe Barela in a statement.
The Governor’s Summer Job Hunt aims to teach young job seekers how to be successful, how to establish a solid work ethic, and how to build the groundwork for their future careers. The program is a free referral service to young adults and employers. Young adults between the ages of 16 and 24 are eligible to participate in the Summer Job Hunt. Summer job seekers who are looking for details about applying for jobs, and employers can get started by visiting https://cdle.colorado.gov/jobs-training/youth/gsjh or https://www.facebook.com/govsummerjobhunt/.
Throughout the past year, around 40 percent of Colorado teenagers ages 16 to 19 were actively participating in the workforce, according to data from the state. Across the country, the national employment rate for teens is coming back to pre-pandemic levels as 1.1 million jobs were created for high school and college students this summer, according to a survey by the Challenger, Gray and Christmas firm.
In 2023, professionals at Workforce Centers have provided more than 100 workshops covering topics like résumé writing, interviewing skills, and job search strategies to assist young people with getting a competitive edge during job hunts.
Young people are also encouraged to explore their local Workforce Center’s website for information about work- shops and special events.
“In Colorado, restaurants, retail outlets, state parks, recreation centers and other employers are already looking for workers. We know through Governor Polis’ Lifeguard Initiative and our recent statewide Outdoor Recreation Job Fair, that public and private employers within the recreation industry are eager to hire,” said Barela. “We anticipate there will be plenty of opportunities for youth available in other sectors that are having a tough time hiring.”
