Summer Job Outlook: Excellent!

Summer is here. Has your teenager found a job yet?

Utah officials say students getting out of school for the summer can take their pick of jobs - if they want one.

News Specialist Kirsten Sorenson has more.

Link Dept. of Workforce Services This website includes job listings, plus other career information

Parents will probably be most happy to hear the news that the summer job outlook for teens is excellent. If fact, kids searching for a job can expect to make more than minimum wage.

Nicholas Hemingway: "I JUST WENT IN AND ASKED IF THEY WERE HIRING, AND THEY SAID YES."

Teens looking for a job can't miss the signs of summer.

Help wanted.

Now hiring.

Part-timer needed. Utah businesses are in need of 15,000 to 20,000 workers for the summer.

John Mathews/Economist, Department of Workforce Services: "VIRTUALLY THOUSANDS OF JOBS STATEWIDE AVAILABLE FOR RELATIVELY UNSKILLED WORKERS."

The nationally mandated minimum wage is now $5.15 an hour. But officials say teens can look forward to making more.

John Matthews/Economist, Department of Workforce Services: "MINIMUM WAGES FOR VIRTUALLY NO EXPERIENCE BETWEEN 7 AND 8 BUCKS AN HOUR."

Of jobs posted on the Utah Department of Workforce Services website, a cook can make up to $8 an hour.

A laborer also $8.

A groundskeeper can make $8.75 an hour.

And a lifeguard can make $8 an hour.

For teens, a summer job is not only a chance to make some money, but also a cure for boredom.

Duncan Hauenstein: "I JUST KIND OF FIGURED THAT IF I DIDN'T HAVE A JOB, I'D JUST BE SLEEPING ALL DAY. I DON'T WANT TO DO THAT."

Jasmin Lazald: "BECAUSE I NEED MONEY."

Meredith Baker: "CAUSE THERE'S NOTHING TO DO IN THE SUMMER AND I NEED MONEY."

Teens can typically find jobs in the service and recreation industries.

John Mathews/Economist: "FOOD SERVICE. RECREATIONAL SERVICES, LIKE THE THEME PARKS."

"RECREATIONAL SPOTS, THEATERS, PLACES WHERE PEOPLE HANG OUT."

Meredith Baker: "I'M GETTING A JOB AT THE PARK."))

Kristen Longden: "I BABYSIT MY COUSINS THURSDAYS AND FRIDAYS DURING THE DAY."

Officials say most employers realize that students have little work experience, so the best way to find a job is to be organized, smart, flexible and trainable.

Experts say the best place to look for a job is with friends and family who might have an "in" somewhere. Or you can link to the Department of Workforce Services website at www.dws.state.ut.us/.