Help Wanted: Hawaii Job Opportunities for Youth

For many of the unemployed in the Islands, the economic strains caused by the recession don’t seem to be lifting, but for some, there is a glimmer of hope in local job fairs.

The Workforce Job Fair took place Wednesday at the Neil S. Blaisdell Center, where 5,000 job seekers turned up looking for new career opportunities. This Saturday, the state is holding the Youth Employment Program for people ages 14 to 23 that come from low-income families. From 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., job seekers can sign up for a summer job at the Princess Ruth Keelikolani Building (which houses the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations).

“We’re trying to get as many people out there as possible,” says Jonathan Bolivar, from the office of the lieutenant governor. “This program is really cool.”

Teens and young adults can sign up to work in government and local nonprofit jobs from May until September. More than 1,000 positions are available, and each pays $8 or more per hour. Bolivar explains that employees will work in federal, state and local government offices, as well as assist private nonprofits. “It’s a great opportunity for young people to get their foot in the door and introduce them to a new career and skills,” he says.

The positions are paid for by $3 million in federal stimulus funds through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Bolivar adds that if more people sign up, the funding will be increased.

To be eligible, the applicant must show proof that she or he attends a Title I school, be receiving free or reduced school lunches, live in a household receiving public cash assistance or be receiving food stamp benefits. Only one criterion must be met to participate.

The Youth Employment Program isn’t just on Oahu, but statewide. Bolivar says that job seekers can go to their local workforce development office on the Neighbor Islands to sign up.

The Youth Summer Job Enrollment Day will be held at 830 Punchbowl Street.