Homeschooled Teen is Looking for Part-time Job

My 14 y.o. needs a part-time job to fill her days a couple times a week. Anyone in this network know of resources to find jobs or temp gigs available to Teens? I don't need suggestions, I'm looking for actual websites or community programs that offer assistance in placing Teens in a work/mentor or apprentice programs. 

If anyone has a direct lead on a specific job opening. Someone who is willing to give a Teen an opportunity to learn. A Restaurants, Bakery, Retail, Sales, Events or any position where she can interact with a high flow of people (customers or fellow staff) would be ideal. She is NOT the type that can sit still at a desk or be alone doing office work (filing paperwork) or the like.

She's very social and personable and has experience with crafting, workshops, and assisting a host with parties and events. Her friendly bubbly personality has her best suited as the "Greeter or Host". She's also creative as an artist and can sing pretty well too. She's interested in music, digital arts, or working with her hands. 

She's ready to learn if there's training involved. Thank you kindly. 

Parent Replies

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I don't think your expectations are realistic. Both state and federal laws provide significant constraints on work for 14 year olds. During the school year the number of hours allowed per day is limited to 2 or 3, and there are restrictions on which industries (and positions within industries) can hire minors, especially if they are under 16. In order to hire a 14 or 15 year old an employer must fill out an a form called "Statement of Intent to Employ Minor and Request for Work Permit," and it has to be approved by the child's school. Should the child's position at the hiring company change, or if they change employers, these documents must be done over again. The reality is that few employers are willing to go through these hoops when they can hire teens age 16+ with fewer oversight requirements. 

The exceptions to these laws are the ones that you see younger teens engaged in: babysitting, lawn mowing, have a paper route, and the like. These are considered casual positions/self-employment. There are also exceptions for children in the performing arts, so if your kid is talented and you have the time, energy, and funds for the initial capital outlay for things like professional headshots, this could be an option. But if so, be prepared to take your child to numerous casting calls. Your time investment will be equal to or greater than that of your child.

If your child does not need to earn money, there may be more options; see https://www.handsonbayarea.org. Some public and not-for-profit entities will offer volunteer and internship opportunities to younger teens. Camp "counselor in training" positions are one example; note that these are very seldom paid. Sometimes after school programs will extend offers to younger teens. Also, keep in mind that younger volunteers may be slotted into positions with the least potential for mistakes leading to large problems. These roles may not be especially outward facing, let alone feel as though they are much more than "make work." So they might be able to fill cups for an event, but are not likely to be able to serve those beverages -- even if nonalcoholic -- to avoid an accidental spill on a large donor's clothing.

The one place, in my experience, in which younger teens are reliably welcomed is as volunteers on political campaigns. The tasks aren't always great (in my day we stuffed a lot of envelopes) but you do meet other volunteers. If you're there regularly and frequently you will meet people and, perhaps, be given more responsibility.

I don't see anything in your post on what your child wants? If she isn't personally invested it will show and she won't last long.

Finally, I respectfully suggest that you review your thinking about this. Statements like "needs a part-time job to fill her days" or "looking for actual websites or community programs that offer assistance in placing Teens in a work/mentor or apprentice programs" miss the incentive from the other side's perspective. Employers hire to fill needs they have, not to keep your teenager busy. Mentors forge relationships that are time- and labor-intensive because they want to support the growth of that individual mentee. Apprenticeships are rarely available to young teens, and because they are designed for employment-readiness are mostly full-time. You want your child to benefit, but that is not the hiring entity's primary concern.

Best wishes,

Lisa