Jobs Expo Targets Teenagers

Arlington Firms Seek Summer Help

This summer, Arlington's businesses will be overrun by teenagers. And not just by students on their summer break, but by those who are working, interning and volunteering.

Teens can seek these opportunities at the 12th annual Arlington Teen Summer Expo, April 26 at the Arlington Career Center. The expo provides a meeting ground for teenagers looking for jobs and for employers seeking teen workers, and is free for both sides.

"The students today are tomorrow's workforce, and it's very important to build their skills," said Nadia Conyers, youth employment program coordinator in Arlington's Department of Human Services. "It's also very important because they always say an idle mind is not good."

There are opportunities for paid employment, internships and volunteer work. For the under-15 crowd unable to get a work permit, there will be postings from residents seeking lawn mowing, yard work and babysitting, said Howard Feldstein, director of the Arlington Employment Center, which puts on the expo.

"For a number of kids, this is part of their family income," Feldstein said. "This is more than just spending money for the kid; this is money that supports the family."

At the expo, teens can talk with potential employers and take notes so they can follow up. They also learn job search strategies and interviewing skills.

Conyers said high school students typically aren't looking only for spare cash but are focusing on the future.

"I've noticed a trend that students are starting to look for internships more," she said. "Students that come to me aren't just looking for any type of job, but they're looking for career-type jobs."

Lisa Jones, part owner of the Bear Rock Cafe, said students who don't plan to pursue further employment in the area of their summer jobs can still learn valuable lessons.

"I told them that even if you don't plan on going into the food service industry, you'll learn some good tenets you can apply to your career," she said.

Jones has used the expo to find teens to work part time after school and students to work more hours over the summer.

"Some of them, it was a cultural shock for them -- it was their first job," Jones said. " 'This is my first time working, I didn't realize working was so hard!' You encounter that."