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Teenagers struggle to find jobs
By KEVIN GRAHAM
© St. Petersburg Times,
The Workforce Investment Act, which began as a program to link high school students with temporary summer jobs, has broadened its scope to help teens find year-round employment. Unfortunately, that leaves hundreds of Hillsborough County teenagers to face the summer job market alone. Dedrick Daniels, 16, of Tampa, said the Workforce program helped him get his first job three years ago. Daniels, who attends Bloomingdale High School, was out Tuesday looking for work. And he wasn't alone. More than 500 people -- mostly teens -- attended a job fair Tuesday at the Hillsborough Workforce Centers at 9215 N Florida Ave. Kym Bandy, center coordinator, said the event was organized to counter the lack of help minors will receive this summer from the government in finding temporary employment. "The employers seem to be pretty pleased (with the turnout)," Bandy said. "This will definitely be an annual event." Bandy said the economic downturn hasn't affected the job market for teens. "There have been times when entry-level jobs have been hard to find," she said. "But that hasn't been the case yet, from what I can see." More than 35 companies attended the job fair, but only three accepted employees as young as 14 years old. Most employers required applicants to be at least 16. Others had a minimum age of 18. "(Companies) don't want to take the responsibility for young workers," said Ann Lavin, whose 16-year-old daughter, Jamie Safford, was used to making $7 an hour at a retail job in New Jersey before moving to Tampa in January. "A few people I have spoken with said they wouldn't hire her, and she's got experience because she's been working since she was 14. They say she needs to be older," Lavin said. "Looking for a job can be a waste of time if you aren't 18 and older," Dedrick said. "They take your application, and that's it. You never receive a call." Alisha Dennis, 14, said her job prospects at the job fair were limited, but she remained upbeat. "I'm sure there are a few places I could work," she said. "I just have to look around and not hesitate to ask." Lisa Frankland, a recruiter for Caspers Co., which owns bay area McDonald's restaurants, said laws that restrict the number of hours minors can work discourages some employers from hiring anyone under 16. "McDonald's hires 14-year-olds who typically work 10 to 13 hours a week during the school year and more when they get older," Frankland said. Eileen Eletto, a Sears employee for more than 35 years, had 15 positions available at the Brandon location. Eletto said she could tell right away a few who would do well working for her company. "I have a few applicants coming in right away for an interview," Eletto said. "After doing this for a while, I've learned to look for a certain something -- big smiles and boldness." - Staff writer Kevin Graham can be reached at graham@sptimes.com.
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