May 4, 2007 - Michigan's recent employment trends and normal seasonal patterns for June, July, and August indicate the teen summer labor market situation will be very competitive this year. The downward trend in teen labor market participation since the year 2000, both nationally and in Michigan, appears to have moderated somewhat over the last three years. As a result, 314,800 Michigan teens are expected to seek summer employment in 2007. This is an increase of 6,500 over the June through August period in 2006.

The anticipated increase in the number of teens looking for summer work, along with the very competitive nature of the state's job market, is expected to result in a teen summer jobless rate of 21.5 percent. This rate is essentially unchanged from the 21.7 percent unemployed during the summer of 2006. Due to the expected slight increase in teen employment for 2007, a total of 247,100 teens are expected to find jobs this summer. The number of unemployed teens, however, is also expected to be somewhat higher due to more teens looking for work.

Some tips from the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth to help find a summer job are: 

• Start looking early 
• Keep looking
• Visit local businesses 
• Talk with school guidance counselors 
• Use the newspaper want-ads 
• Let friends/neighbors know you are looking for work
• Think about self-employment: lawn service, pet sitting, etc. 
• Search the Internet

Some tips from the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth to help make a good first impression with employers are: 

• Dress Appropriately 
• Be on time to the interview 
• Be well groomed
• Bring information needed to complete an application 
• Have a list of a few references
• Maintain a positive attitude

Additionally, teens can call 1-800-285-WORKS and be connected to the nearest Michigan Works! office. Michigan Works! can help teens develop resumes and connect them to job openings. The Michigan Talent Bank has job openings posted on-line and can be a tool in identifying employers with vacancies. Teens can also visit www.michworks.org to search for jobs.

The industries and occupations that typically provide good job prospects for teens are listed in the tables below. Labor force participants under 18 years of age are subject to the Youth Employment Standards Act (YESA), PA 90 of 1978. If you have questions about the Youth Employment Standards Act, contact the Department of Labor & Economic Growth's Wage & Hour Division at (517) 335-0400 or their web site at: http://michigan.gov/wagehour.

Teen Summer Employment Opportunities by Industry & Occupation

Opportunities by Industry

• Agriculture
• Amusement & Recreation Services
• Camps & Trailer Parks
• Construction
• Department / Retail Stores
• Food Canning & Processing
• Fruit & Vegetable Stores
• Gifts/Sporting Goods/Bookstores
• Grocery Stores
• Hotels & Motels
• Landscape & Horticulture Services
• Museums/Galleries/Zoos
• Restaurants
• Warehousing

Opportunities by Occupation

• Camp Counselor/Day Care Worker
• Car Washer
• Cashier
• Construction Helper w/limitations 
• Delivery Person
• Farm Hand/Landscape Helper
• Fast Food Worker
• Food Market Clerk
• Golf Course Worker
• Library Aide
• Office Clerk
• Receptionist
• Sales Clerk
• Stock Clerk
• Usher/Attendant
• Waiter/Waitress