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Young people line up to spend summers working By Eileen Marum Contributing Writer February 10, 2010 12:00 AM NEW BEDFORD - You'd be hard pressed not to feel the energy generated by the long line of young job applicants that wound its way down the corridors of the New Directions Dover Street offices. In the face of a struggling economy, the process of landing a summer job is beginning early this year. And, on Monday, excited youths waited to follow a specific sequence of steps at several tables set up with applications and counselors. They obtained information on how to find a job, where to get working papers, what to wear for an interview, how to obtain references, and ultimately, how to get a leg up in the working world. "I am here to get a job," said Walter Thorpe, 17, a senior at New Bedford High School. "It's important to make a good impression when you're interviewing." For Thorpe, a job can be an experience-building stepping stone. "While at Webster Bank last year, I created a business plan through the (National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship) program," he said. Meanwhile, with the requisite papers in hand, Melanie Ribeiro, 15, a sophomore at New Bedford High School waited with a group of friends. "I like to work to make money," she said. A check of employers who typically hire youths — the food service industry, construction, and retail — showed too many young people fall short as they enter the work force, said Wendy Andrade, director of Youth Services at New Directions. "The most important skill cited by 88 percent of employers is the ability to adhere to company policies," she said. "Reading comprehension and customer service come next at 75 percent, writing and math 67 percent, and problem solving 62 percent." New Directions is looking to address such key areas, as students begin their quest for summer employment. As part of the application process, "Youths are required to attend a brief orientation," Andrade said. While New Directions receives state and federal funds, money is tight and openings in New Directions programs are limited, she said. The deadline is April 30, but young people should apply as soon as possible. "We don't know how many jobs we will have," Andrade said, noting jobs generally consist of maintenance, landscaping, clerical, and farming. Applications for summer job programs are available Monday through Friday from 2:30-4 p.m. at the new Youth Annex of the Greater New Bedford Career Center, 5 Dover St., and at the Wareham Career Center, 48 Marion Road, Wareham. Residents of New Bedford, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Mattapoisett, Acushnet, Freetown, Lakeville, Marion, Wareham and Rochester between the ages of 14 to 21 are eligible to apply. For more information, contact the New Directions Youth Department at (508) 979-1700 or www.newdirectionssouthcoast.org. 227 Union Street, Suite 206, New Bedford, MA 02740-5946 PH 508.979.1504 • FAX 508.979.5680 E-mail: Webmaster@gnbwib.org |