Pleasanton Teens Face Tough Job Market

Summer jobs have been hard to come by for some teens this year.

California Watch recently reported that employment for teenagers is at its lowest point in the last decade.  In California, one out of every three teens ages 16 to 19 is currently unemployed, according to figures released by the Employment Development Department.  That is higher than the nationwide figure, which is at almost 26 percent.

The upward unemployment trend began in 2006, when unemployment was almost 16 percent for teens in California.  Last year, it was just above 19 percent.

Matt Baty, an incoming Foothill High School junior, said he tried to look for a job at the beginning of this summer.

The high school baseball player said he searched for help wanted signs in Downtown Pleasanton, followed leads from friends and applied at eateries such as Kentucky Fried Chicken and Bob's Giant Burgers.

But he said all the establishments he looked at were not hiring.

"I wanted to look for a job," he said. "...I've been trying."

Baty said his story is a familiar one among his group of friends. He also has a 19-year-old brother who had trouble finding work.

Recent Amador Valley High School graduate Connor Farrell said kids his age have to fight against inexperience in the job market. With so much competition, those with a short resume may not stand out to employers.

"I think my lack of experience contributed to my inability to find something stable," Farrell said.

Farrell said he wanted to find additional work aside from his current gig as a  summer volleyball camp coach. But his search in retail and the restaurant sector did not result in a job.

Mark Duncanson, who runs the city's teen programs and services, said one way to build up a resume is through volunteer work.

"Find something that you're passionate about to build your resume. Volunteer and keep on volunteering," he said. "Volunteering will lead to a job."

Duncanson said he advises teens to start early on a job search.

"Employers are looking for kids with professionalism and who want to do well," said Duncanson.

Volunteer opportunities can be found in the following websites:

• The Volunteer Center of the East Bay
• Lend A Hand Tri-Valley