Editorial

Summer Jobs Are Economic Development

The calendar has turned to June. That means thousands of college students who call Western Mass. home are now back in this region for more than three months. And it means that, in just a few weeks, several thousand high-school students will have completed their studies for the year, and most of them will be looking for something to do.

Therefore, June is also a time for area employers large and small to step up and try to create opportunities for some of these young people in the form of summer jobs. Doing so will not just put a few dollars in someone’s pocket, it will also be part of a critical economic-development strategic initiative.

Indeed, as we acknowledged a few weeks ago when the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission released a 20-year update of its Plan for Progress, the creation of a large, qualified workforce is certainly this region’s biggest challenge moving forward as it seeks to grow, diversify its economy, and replace the retiring Baby Boom generation.

There are many facets to this assignment, and many of them are related to this notion of creating summer jobs, or opportunities for young people. When companies do that, they not only help the individuals in question, but they also help themselves, and the region.

By giving a young person a job, an employer is introducing a young person to the world of work — in many cases, for the first time. And as we’ve said on many occasions, that first job is a tremendous learning experience on many levels. It provides lessons in a particular skill or vocation, but it also provides important life lessons involving everything from punctuality to teamwork.

Providing young people with jobs also introduces those individuals to the companies in this region and the career opportunities they provide. And such exposure might one day compel someone to stay in the 413 area code rather than feel they have to leave it to find success and happiness. What’s more, today’s young people can bring energy and a different perspective to a company — concerning everything from their products to the use of social media to promote them — something many businesses need.

There are other practical reasons for creating a summer job. Such positions build confidence, they give people a sense of self-worth, and, in many cases, they can help keep individuals off the street and out of trouble.

Yes, there are many reasons why companies should create a summer job or internship — or several of each. And as the economy continues to improve, more businesses should be in a position to add to their payrolls for at least a few months.

We hope businesses will seize what would have to be called an opportunity on many levels. An opportunity for young people to learn and gain respect for the workplace and the rules that govern it, an opportunity for the hiring companies to take advantage of young talent, and an opportunity for the region to achieve some much-needed progress in its assignment to build a large, competent workforce.

It’s June. Time to think about summer and beaches, family vacations and long, hot days. It’s also time to create some all-important summer jobs.