Teenagers had better luck finding summer work in May than they’ve had in eight years, reports Chicago outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc.
Employment among 16- to 19-year-olds rose by 217,000 last month, the best May jobs gain for teenagers since 2006 and slightly better than the 215,000 jobs gained in May 2013.
“Teen hiring got off to a strong start last year, but then fell off in June and July, compared to the previous year. So, it is a little too early to say how young job seekers will fare this year,” said John A. Challenger, chief executive officer of Challenger, Gray & Christmas. “The job market is improving, but there is still a lot of competition for job openings, not only with fellow teens, but with recent college graduates and job seekers with experience.”
The company’s annual summer job outlook forecast summer employment gains among teens would be about the same as last year.
