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Teens can be extremely reliable, flexible workers who are quick to learn new skills. As a result, many employers value them highly as workers. Beyond meeting immediate staffing needs, employers should also think of hiring teens as an opportunity to build their workforce pipeline. Helping teens see your business – and your industry – as a viable career option can help you in the long run. Offering summer jobs or internships, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training opportunities to teens can help build a pipeline of workers for your industry and help you establish relationships that may further your business in the future.
Here are some tips for recruiting and hiring teen workers:
- Reach out to staff at a Careerforce location near you for information about local job fairs and connections with local high schools and colleges
- Contact your local high school directly and ask to speak with a staff member who coordinates career readiness or shares job opportunities with students
- Make sure you post your job openings online, find out how to post on Minnesota's labor exchange, and share your job openings on social media
- Ask your teen workers to tell their friends that you're hiring; teens are natural networkers and can help you get the word out about open positions
- Abide by child labor rules, which vary for kids ages 14 to 17; you can find information on the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry website
