Teen Summer Job Prospects Hit Historic Lows as Entry-Level Roles Vanish
Experts cite a combination of factors, including inflation, a cautious hiring market, and a decline in traditional entry-level positions, leaving young job seekers struggling to find summer employment.
Teenagers seeking summer employment are facing unprecedented challenges, with experts pointing to a significant decline in available entry-level jobs. The number of summer jobs for teenagers has dropped dramatically, reaching a 77-year low last year and is projected to hit a new low this summer.
From May through July, teens are expected to secure approximately 790,000 jobs, a decrease from the 801,000 jobs gained during the same period last year, according to analysis from outplacement firm Challenger, Grey and Christmas. This trend marks a continuation of a steep decline, with teen employment having dropped 25 percent last summer compared to the previous year.
Jaune Little, director of recruiting services at Insperity, explained that many of the entry-level positions, such as those in food preparation and serving, that historically provided summer employment for teenagers are disappearing. "A lot of the entry-level roles that once existed simply do not any longer," Little told The Associated Press. "Those that do exist are on leaner teams that have less ability and desire to develop and train someone."
This scarcity has led to increased competition, with teens now vying for the same positions as more experienced adults. Employers are reportedly prioritizing candidates with more skills, even if they are overqualified for the roles.
The decline in teen employment opportunities can be attributed to several factors. Rising inflation and oil prices, coupled with a generally cautious hiring environment, have contributed to the challenging job market for young workers. Nicole Bachaud, an economist for ZipRecruiter, described teens as being among the labor market's "most marginalized groups," noting that "the opportunities for workers at the start of the career ladder started to dry up."
Young job seekers have expressed frustration with the difficult search. Jaelyn Chester, 17, an A+ student aspiring to be an engineer, reported sending dozens of applications without success. "I'm not unemployed because I'm incompetent. I'm unemployed because nobody's hiring," Chester told the AP, highlighting the disconnect between her qualifications and her inability to secure a job.
Max Stephenson, 19, who has been searching for a permanent position since graduating high school last year, has applied to between 50 and 100 jobs. She noted that traditional advice, like simply walking in and offering a handshake, no longer seems effective, suggesting that advice from older generations may be outdated for the current job market.
Connor Vukelich, 20, a student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, echoed the sentiment that "no one's actually hiring" despite visible job postings. He lamented the lack of willingness from employers to offer opportunities to those without experience. "They don't see the value in hiring someone without any experience. They're not as willing to give someone that shot," Vukelich stated.
In response to his own struggles and those of his peers, Vukelich launched Poppin' Jobs, a job search platform aimed at helping young people find employment.
Historically, teen employment rates were significantly higher. In 1978, 58 percent of U.S. teens were employed, according to the Pew Research Center, a stark contrast to the current situation where many young people report being unable to find work despite applying.
