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Summer Jobs

By Ray Olsen

It's not easy to think about "summer jobs" when you're still in the middle of winter, but that's exactly what we're asking you to do.  The Job Council, in partnership with the Oregon Employment Department in Jackson and Josephine Counties, is in the planning stage for our Summer Youth Employment and Training Program (SYETP).  We believe we can help you this summer.

Our summer youth program is targeted primarily to young people ages 14-18, but we can serve youth up to age 21.  Our goal is to to prepare youth for the world of work. Before we refer clients for a job interview, we require that they attend a workshop we call "WORK ETHICS." There they learn about the expectations employers have of all employees.  Topics covered include:

  • Attitude

  • Attendance

  • Appearance

  • Dependability

  • Honesty

  • Communication

  • Customer service

  • Profit motive

  • Safety

  • Job getting and retention skills

  • Resume development


For many youth, this summer might be the first time they've ever looked for a job.  For others who have participated in our summer program before, it could be the first time they've sought a "real" private sector job.  We generally use our Federal job training funds to assist younger (14-16) youth who have not been on a job before.  We place them with public or private nonprofit organizations for some initial work experience.  This gives them a chance to get used to the world of work and helps prepare them for the competition and demands of the local labor market.  More mature youth, especially those 17 and up, are usually referred to private sector employers for summer jobs.  We can begin serving out-of-school youth on May 1, though those enrolled in school aren't available for work until mid-June.  Our program winds down at the end of August.

Here is what we can do for you. If you can identify a job(s) for a young person(s) for part or most of the summer, we'd like to be responsible to find the person(s) who can meet your needs and be a high performer for you. As noted above, all referrals will have completed our "WORK ETHICS" workshop and will be practiced in interviewing and resume preparation.  While it is each person's responsibility to sell him/herself to you once they get to the interview, we will do our best to send you youth with lots of enthusiasm and a GOOD attitude.  We'll look for youth who have interests in the type of work you have available.   

Private sector employers must pay youth at least the Oregon minimum wage ($6.50/hour), provide Worker's Compensation insurance, and provide a safe, healthy, well-supervised work opportunity.  (If the job is quite similar or the same as the job being performed by other employees at your work site, the youth must be paid at the same pay rate others are receiving.) 

We want these young people to have a positive experience this summer, but they MUST adhere to your company policies and rules just like all other employees you have working for you. You make the decision whom you hire. You are the employer and supervisor.  You decide if someone needs to be terminated for inappropriate behavior.  If you ask us for assistance, we'll provide help in any way we can, but that's entirely up to you.

In the past, we have placed youth in positions such as receptionist, clerical, retail sales, vet assistant, landscaping, brush clearing, nursery assistant, child care provider (with supervision), general laborer, farm worker, janitorial/custodial, painter, construction laborer, assistant museum curator, parts runner, lot person, etc.  We can usually find good referrals for any job that comes along. 

Let us help you find the right person to do the job for you this summer.  Please contact one of our Summer Coordinators.  In Jackson County, call (541) 776-5100. In Josephine County, call (541) 476-1187.  We'd like to discuss how we can assist you in completing those special tasks this summer. The sooner you call, the sooner we can identify a person who can meet your needs.

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