Summer jobs can help teens, but watch out for scams

SALT LAKE CITY — Summer jobs are plentiful for teens and will help them build a resume for when they enter the labor force.

Troy Lamb with the Department of Workforce Services said summer jobs can help teens with job applications and to practice writing resumes.

“This really helps them to get some good experience to decide what they want to do for work, maybe long term,” Lamb said. “But definitely for right now, helps them to build their application and resume skills.”

While a summer job can help build experience and skills to put on a resume, Lamb said people need to be aware of jobs that require money to apply or buy equipment, as those tend to be scams.

“Or to pay any money to register with them, or to buy equipment or anything like that, you definitely want to maybe stay away from those opportunities,” Lamb said. “Because they’re just out for taking your money.”

There are many summer jobs available for teens, Lamb says they can be lifeguards, camp counselors, or even take on jobs that include lawn care.

“Rec centers, oftentimes they need cashiers, lifeguards, keep cleaning and maintenance type of work,” Lamb said. “Sometimes even doing, like, referee type of jobs.”

Lamb added that fast food and restaurant workers are always in demand, just watch out for those scams. But overall, he says summer jobs are a great thing for teenagers.

In Utah, teens need to be at least 14 years old to work and there may be limits to the number of hours they can work.