The Martinsville (Va) newspaper published this article yesterday about the local job market for teens. I can't say that I have a lot of personal experience with Martinsville, but it seems that the job market is pretty similar to what's found in the rest of the country. Unemployment is generally up, but smart, enthusiastic, and prepared teens can still find jobs.
The article states, "Though Martinsville has the highest unemployment rate in the state, teens can still land summer jobs in certain sectors, according to a Virginia Employment Commission official. “In Virginia, I don’t think it will be that bad,” said Bill Mezger, chief economist for the Economic Information Services Division of the VEC, in response to the study. “I think 2008 will still be a fairly good year for summer employment, though not as good as the last two years.” The city’s high jobless rate, just above 10 percent in April, comes mainly from the factory sector, a field that would not attract many teens on summer break, Mezger said. However, he added, “The fact that unemployment is higher in the area means there’s more competition for the jobs that are available.” In Martinsville, Mezger said jobs should be available in the retail and service industries “where most teens look for employment. Some jobs are pretty much aimed at teenagers, and adults would not be seeking them in great numbers,” he added."
And suggests (like we do at myfirstpaycheck.com) that teens should look for summer jobs in food service, lifeguarding, and referring.
How's your job searc going?
Hello,
Your blog was pulled into my e-mail inbox because I use Google alert to notify me of press releases, web pages and blogs that refer to Martinsville.
What a neat website you've created! I've got a high school graduate who is being allowed a few weeks off since graduation before looking for employment, and I believe I will spend some more time looking over your information.
Thanks.
Lynn Pritchett
Martinsville, VA
Posted by: Lynn Pritchett | June 18, 2008 at 03:26 PM
Ummm...don't know what's up, but my computer won't take me to http://myfirstpaycheck.com/
Lynn
Posted by: Lynn Pritchett | June 18, 2008 at 03:57 PM
I see so many high paying jobs advertised on employment sites -
http://www.realmatch.com
http://www.monster.com
http://www.simplyhired.com
Its like the market and the data dont jive. does the media want us to feel like the sky is falling?
Posted by: James | June 19, 2008 at 07:40 PM