Youth Employment Month: Gain Skills, Earn Money, Prepare for a Career
June is Youth Employment Month in Michigan, when we celebrate the work of young people, the value they bring to business and the economy, and the benefits they receive from working. Summer is the perfect time for teens and young adults to get some employment experience under their belt; here is some helpful information to get started.
Why Work as a Teen?
According to WebMD, teens benefit from having a part-time job by:
- Earning their own money. With their own income, teens can become more independent and learn how to budget their money.
- Developing important skills. Teens that work must develop good time management, organization, and communication skills. These are skills that employers value and will make it easier to find a job later in life.
- Character. Kids who work learn responsibility and accountability. They also build confidence by learning the good feeling of a job well done.
Good Jobs for Teens.
There are many great jobs for minors in the service industry, such as:
- Restaurant host, server, or dishwasher.
- Cashier.
- Retail sales associate.
- Barista.
- Tutor.
- Camp counselor.
- And many more!
Teens are encouraged to avoid high-stress jobs where little learning takes place or jobs in unsafe environments.
Work Permits.
The Youth Employment Standards Act (YESA) in Michigan provides workplace safety standards for teens who are old enough to work (14 years is the minimum age to get a job, with some exceptions) and still under the age of 18. The act requires minors to get a work permit before starting a job, as well as prohibits work in hazardous jobs/environments, regulates hours of employment, ensures meal and rest periods, and mandates adult supervision.
Teens who want to find a job should contact their school to have a work permit issued. To learn more about work permits and the Youth Employment Standards Act, visit mi.gov/YouthEmployment.
