Whether it’s dipping hot dogs on a stick in a bath of hot oil or serving meals to homebound individuals, Santa Monica teenagers want something to keep them busy this summer, though some would admit it’d be nice if the activity came with a paycheck.
Santa Monica’s youth tested the local job market during an employment fair at Santa Monica High School on Wednesday, an afternoon event in which more than 30 companies and non-profit organizations showcased occupational opportunities geared toward teenagers, whether it’s spending the summer in concessions at Pacific Park or volunteering at the YMCA. The fourth annual event was sponsored by City Hall, the Chamber of Commerce, Jewish Vocational Services and the ROP.
The job fair attracts hundreds of students every year and has often led to employment offers. Last year, a total of 27 companies participated, representing 269 open positions. Approximately 176 students received job offers with positions ranging from reception, sales, lifeguard to production intern.
357,“We found it to be successful, especially for students looking for seasonal and part-time employment,” Moira McCormack, the community programs coordinator at Virginia Avenue Park, said. “We have a good number of employers who return each year and are always pleased with the outcome.”
One of those companies is Pacific Park, which operates the amusement park on the Santa Monica Pier. The company has participated in the job fair every year since its inception.
While Pacific Park has employed a number of students from the Santa Monica area in the past, its management believes that it needs more local teenagers on board.
In fact, most of the employees at Pacific Park are from Downtown Los Angeles and beyond, many of whom spend about two hours commuting by bus during the summer, according to Robert Smith, who heads food and beverages at the park.
740,“It’s been a good experience working with Santa Monica, but we don’t get enough kids,” Smith said.
Joshua Giron, a sophomore at Samohi, was among the teenagers that grabbed an application for Pacific Park. Giron, who is still 15, hopes Pacific Park will offer him his first job.
“It seems like a good place to work,” Giron said. “Any experience form life should help me with my future.”
Event organizers say the job fair will equip students with the necessary tools and experience to succeed in future interviews and employment. Many of the students who came to the job fair participated in several information sessions where they learned how to prepare resumes, dress in proper attire and tips on how to behave during interviews. Several companies at the job fair conducted on-site interviews. The job fair was open to students between the ages of 14 and 24.
“Last year we got an amazing positive response from employers who felt the students were job ready,” Samantha O’Neil, director of government affairs for the chamber, said.
The students came to the job fair for various reasons, some to seek summer employment, others looking for something a bit more permanent.
Maytee Martinez, who graduated from Olympic High School last year, came to the fair to find employment to help pay for college. She is working toward a career in cosmetology.
Martinez expressed interest in a security position at LAX, which she said pays about $16 an hour.
“I want a good paying job to help pay for college and to help my parents,” she said. “I don’t want to settle for less.”
Jump hedline: High school job fair can lead to employment
Suggested pullquote: “Last year we got an amazing positive response from employers who felt the students were job ready,”
Samantha O’Neil, director of government affairs
Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce
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Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 24, 2008. Read the original PDF.