Editorial
Tim Paciorek, president of Paciorek Electric in Hatfield — whose story we share starting on page 4 — always had a desire to own his own business someday, even as a child.
What fueled that desire — and, in many ways, was fueled by it — was a work ethic that came from simply … well, working. He had lots of jobs throughout his youth, from a paper route to farm labor; from reconditioning cars to woodcrafting; from raking leaves to mowing lawns. It’s a path he believes would benefit many young people today — only, it’s not as easy to find those jobs for teenagers.
The past 30 years has seen a dramatic decline in youth labor force participation. In the 1990s, most U.S. teenagers had at least some connection to work. But according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the labor force participation rate for teenagers dropped from well above 50% in the mid-1990s to just 36% today. The steepest declines came between the late 1990s and early 2010s, after which participation stabilized at much lower levels.
There are many reasons for that. Fewer jobs for teens exist today due to automation replacing entry-level tasks, increased competition from college graduates, older people staying in the workforce longer, higher minimum wages making teens — and their relative dearth of experience — seem costly, and stricter child labor laws reducing available hours and roles compared to past decades.
Paciorek said any teenager who really wants a job can still likely find one, but less motivated young people aren’t as likely to dig beyond the obvious, while opportunities that dominated in decades past, from paper routes to fast food, aren’t as prevalent today, or are much more populated with adults than in the past.
Some of those adults are seniors, and one can’t blame them for being part of the competition. Many want to work to feel vibrant and stay active and sharp, and many may need to work just to make ends meet.
But first, second, and third jobs are important — for a number of reasons. From a practical standpoint, jobs provide young people with the resources to help pay for college and, in many cases, just to support themselves. Also, they provide key lessons in how the world of work operates, thus better preparing them for future employment — or, for budding entrepreneurs like Paciorek, launching their own enterprises. Jobs also help keep young people from getting bored and getting into trouble.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce lists several reasons why small businesses might want to hire teen workers:
• They’re eager for work. Many teens want financial freedom, and they’re willing to work to get their foot in the door.
• They’re an efficient means to expand the workforce during peak times. Since they’re typically not seeking benefits, hiring teenage workers in part-time, limited-skill positions can be especially useful for businesses operating seasonally or needing extra hands temporarily, such as during summer vacation or over the holidays.
• The business might be eligible for a tax credit. Teens are included under the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit, which encourages employers to hire candidates who face challenges securing employment, and Massachusetts offers state tax credits for hiring registered apprentices in specific industries.
• Businesses can help shape the next generation of working professionals. No matter the industry, teenage workers can develop soft skills such as responsibility, organization, time management, and creative problem solving that will serve them well throughout high school, college, and the workforce. Professional experience at a young age can lead to higher-paying jobs later on, as it boosts résumés and professional skills.
We’ve been saying it for decades, and it’s still true now: area economic development leaders and employers need to collaborate to find ways to get more young people into the workforce, and help build the next generation of success stories.
