KJCT8.com - Grand Junction, Montrose - Weather, News, Sports | Gov't paying teens to work
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With unemployment rates being so high, many adults are finding they are now in competition with teens for work. The State of Colorado thinks they've found a solution. The federal government has given Mesa County over $230,000 to hire youth interns, ages 14 to 24, for the summer.
The Mesa County Workforce Center and Hilltop have joined together to find a over 100 places and jobs for these kids. Some of these work sites include the Botanical Gardens, Mesa County Library, and the Safeway. Qualification is partially based on income need and priority is given to 14 and 15 year olds. They will be paid minimum wage and will not be taking work away from adults, according to Lori Wacker with the Workforce Center
"We have made it very clear in our recruiting of work sites that these positions we will place an intern on, for 240 hours or 6 weeks, cannot displace a current employee."
Wacker said the youth with be evaluated on attendance, ability to work with others, efficiency, and appropriate appearance. All of this to help them when they enter the work force as adults. May 18th is the tentative deadline for applications, which can be picked up at the Opportunity Center in Grand Junction (1129 Colorado Ave. 244-3803).
