Summer jobs are opening up for teens as school ends

SALT LAKE CITY—The Department of Workforce Services says summer jobs are a great way for Utah teens to gain experience in fields they’re interested in.

According to Troy Lamb, a workforce development specialist for the Utah Department of Workforce Services, there are hundreds of jobs up for grabs right now. Access to the jobs begins by creating a profile at the Department’s website.

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“You’re going to find varied jobs,” Lamb said, “such as summer camp counselors, or fast food.” 

“Depending on your age, of course, whatever is age appropriate, depending on the type of work you’re doing, there’s lots and lots of opportunities,” he said.

Summer jobs can teach kids about networking

If a teen wants to start their own business such as landscaping for a summer job, Lamb said it’s possible. And, it’s a perfect opportunity to teach young people about the importance of networking.

“So I would say definitely talking to your parents. Your parents have friends, and so your parents have connections with people that maybe … are looking for someone to hire for the summer.”

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“Talk to your relatives, talk to friends, talk to your neighbors,” Lamb said.

This skill of networking, Lamb said, might be the most important skill a teen can take from a summer job.

“Every job I’ve ever had since I’ve been a teenager has been through networking. So I think that’s a big tool, using your your networks of people to find employment.

“Can my teen work in Utah?”

There are a few things to keep in mind about teenagers working in Utah. For example, if your child is 13 and wants to work, unless they’re working in an agricultural job, they’re too young and the law forbids it. 

According to federal law, kids of any age can work for businesses, “that are entirely owned by their parents.” But there are some exceptions in those cases, too.

In Utah, teens between 14 and 15 are prohibited from working in hazardous jobs. Those include jobs utilizing heavy or dangerous machinery. Kids between 14 and 15 can only work outside of school hours according to the U.S. Department of Labor. In the summer, kids between 14 and 15 can’t work more than eight hours in a day, or more than 40 hours per week.

There is more leeway for teens between 16 and 17 that want to work in Utah, but there are some restrictions. 16 and 17-year-old Utahns can work in any occupation that isn’t considered hazardous, or in jobs that involve motor vehicles [if they are licensed to drive]. They may not work more than 9 hours in one day, or more than 48 hours during non-school weeks.

More requirements and restrictions can be found in the Employment of Minors section of the Utah Code.

Contributing | Sam Hererra

 

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