June is Youth Employment Month in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – Teens across the state are readying to join the workforce for the summer.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed June as Youth Employment Month in Michigan. Youths ages 16 to 19 get the chance to gain valuable work experience along with some cash.

Many districts are officially out for summer and this time could look different for teens whether it be a summer camp, summer school, or for the first time, a summer job. What better way to learn accountability and responsibility while making money? Experts say the job market is looking good for teens wanting to pocket some cash over the summer.

During Youth Employment Month, Governor Whitmer is encouraging employers across the state to help youth by offering work opportunities that are meaningful, valuable, and safe. The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity or LEO has resources for job seekers under the age of 18. Along with partnering with local businesses and Michigan Works! to share opportunities. Sean Egan, Deputy Director of Labor at LEO says there are several for teens in the state.

“June is really where we see the big push of young people getting into workplaces across the state of Michigan. In all different variety, so, where we see young people working quite often, no surprise, is retail. Certainly, your local pizza shop, your sub shop, your McDonald’s. Certainly, you can go into certain agriculture employment, golf courses hire a lot of young workers so there are pretty cool jobs. Cause you’re outdoors all the time so there’s a lot of opportunities for young people across the state of Michigan,” said Egan.

LEO says recreation, and tourism are also good options for teens. Additionally, the summer work experience not only helps youth gain skills for future success. It also helps Michigan businesses meet their seasonal talent needs

According to the Michigan Department of Technology, Management, and Budget. Nearly 250,000 Michigan teens are forecasted to seek employment this summer. We reported back in April that over 230,000 teens were forecasted in 2023, so a higher number this year.

However, the state says Michigan reached its peak back in 2008 when over 610,000 students were forecast.

Pure Michigan Talent Connect: https://www.mitalent.org/

LEO – Youth Employment: LEO – Youth Employment (michigan.gov)

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