DOL Seeks Employment for Nation’s Youth

The U.S. Department of Labor has created a special website to help connect the nation’s youth with employers who can offer summer jobs and industry members are being encouraged to provide summer work for low-income youths that either helps them improve their soft skills, such as communication and teamwork; provides insight into the world of work through internships and job shadowing; or provides them a learning opportunity and wages. At issue are both the high unemployment rate – more than 50 percent - of the nation’s young people, ages 16 to 24, and the need for them to get valuable work experience before they head full time in the workforce. Employers can sign up to provide jobs and learn more about the initiative, including what types of jobs qualify by visiting the DOL’s website: http://www.dol.gov/SummerJobs/. Further, the DOL has created a toolkit for employers to assess their company and learn how they can best connect with youths. If your company does offer summer jobs to youths, please let Liz Elvin know by sending an email to elvinl@agc.org letting AGC know how our industry has helped with this initiative so that we can publicize your good work!