Natassia Hiner, 18, considers herself lucky.
The 2003 Brandon High School graduate will spend the summer working at the Frosty Boy ice cream stand in Brandon Township before attending Grand Valley State University in Allendale MI. this fall.
‘I consider myself fortunate to have this job,? said Hiner, who is beginning her fifth year of work at the local ice cream shop.
‘Many of my friends either couldn’t find jobs or are driving to Great Lakes (Crossings) for minimum wage.?
As schools dismiss for summer, students like Hiner are content to hold onto seasonal employment rather than joining the now swelling ranks of classmates seeking work.
The Michigan Department of Career Development, which compiles workforce data for Michigan, reports that the teen unemployment rate is the highest in more than 20 years.
‘There are jobs out there for students but they’ll just have to look a little harder,? said Jim Rhein, Labor Market Analyst for the Michigan Department of Career Development.
‘The overall trend indicates that teens are participating less in summer jobs over the years since post World War II.?
The most obvious reason for the decline says Rhein, are shorter school years and families are better off financially.
‘Now when the economy goes bad students are crowded out of the job market.?
Other factors for students not working include staying at home working on preparing for the SAT and ACT in addition to many who take unpaid internship to help build a resume.
Area schools offer assistance to students seeking summer employment.
For about the past 15 years Goodrich High School has offered a Job Board for student employment.
‘We’ve had about 30 jobs on the board earlier in the (school) year, but most of the postings are gone now,? said Geri Hammill, Goodrich High School counselor, who has worked with students seeking employment for about 17 years. Difficulties finding jobs, says Hammill, are also due in part to senior citizens seeking jobs and college students living at home and working locally during the summer.
While jobs may be hard to find Hammill suggests students look for the unconventional work places including farms and adult care.
‘Put together a portfolio of your work experience, including grades, references, or just finding someone to say something good about you,? added Hammill.
If students don’t have work by June it may be difficult to find employment, however, Hammill suggests that students keep trying and get their name out to prospective employers by visiting the workplace.
Whit Bread, a student counselor at Brandon High School for the past 24 years says many students can still find jobs at malls, fast foods establishments or do lawn maintenance.
‘There are many books to help students build resumes,? said Bread. ‘If a student needs help finding a job they can come in we do a lot to prepare them for the job search.?
Although students may find it difficult to find employment locally this summer local business owners are finding the plethora of applications a positive for good workers and suggest students don’t give up.
Dennis Bueche, owner of Bueche’s Food World in Ortonville, which employs about 100 says those interested in jobs need to be persistent.
‘Students should get out there so employers know who they are,? said Bueche. ‘It’s important to make that phone call back after the initial contact. Don’t be a pest, but employers seek people that are outgoing and make an impression.?
Bueche added that he hires some summer time workers in addition to full-time help so when school starts in the fall he’s not losing too many workers.