‘Good opportunity’ for El Paso teens to find a summer job
EL PASO, Texas -- Hiring signs can be seen all across the Borderland as employers are looking to fill positions this summer. While they're struggling to find adult workers, Workforce Solutions Borderplex said it's the perfect opportunity for teenagers to enter the workforce.
"There's definitely worker availability with the 16-year-olds, 17-year-old, 18-year-olds that can can be okay with less than a $15 wage," said Bianca Cervantes, spokesperson for Workforce Solutions Borderplex.
According to the Pew Research Center, during the height of the pandemic in 2020, teen employment that summer in the United States dropped to its lowest level since 2008.
But in May, unemployment rates dropped for teenagers 16 to 19 1to 9.6% from 12.3% in April.
Workforce Solutions Borderplex said dozens of employers, especially in the hospitality industry rebounding from the pandemic, are partnering with the organization to find employees.
"We see this as a really good opportunity for young individuals that are ready to work and trying to get job experience to do this, obviously, at a good rate at a good pay rate, that's fair, that this is a good opportunity for people to jump in," Cervantes said."
Workforce Solutions Borderplex has several programs to help teens to help them find a job, like GrindTalk, which helps guide teens for what fields to look into after graduation. There's also the Growing Forward Initiative -- a youth employment program that provides subsidized employment opportunities for low-income teens. The organization is targeting people between the age of 14 to 24. Borderplex is also hosting a virtual job fair. To participate or learn more about the resources available, call 915-759-JOBS (5627).
