Ten good reasons for hiring young people

Editor’s note: This column was written in May before students went on summer break. Regardless of the year, people of all ages are without jobs at the moment. The message is still a good one. Enjoy!

By Bill Ellis

Throughout the United States, thousands of young people are now looking for part-time and full-time jobs. A large percentage of this group needs to earn money so they may go to college this fall.

Some do not intend to continue their pursuit of education and academic preparation for future careers. They are looking for a job doing something that will support them for such things as an automobile, an apartment, some food and often just the bare necessities of life. They hope things will be better, but are not too interested in making the necessary preparation. Their goal, all too often, is to have a few dollars in their pocket and enough to pay off a credit card at the end of each month. We can hope they are not on the road to poverty.

Thankfully, most young people have some serious objectives in mind. They are thinking of what life will be like 10 years from now and for the rest of their lives. Those of us who are older can recall those first working years. We started out as a waitress, clerking in a store, digging ditches, delivering newspapers, taking the lowest paying job in a factory or trying to be a sales person.

Here are a few reasons for hiring young people this summer.

1.  They have to start sometime, somewhere. Give them that necessary break. Just like somebody did for you. Help them get started.
2. Any kind of job may give them the encouragement to continue. They will never forget your "start-up program" for them.
3.   If they start working in your town or area, they may want to continue to live there or return "home" later. Your town will always need carpenters, doctors, teachers, police officers, nurses, business owners, firefighters, newspaper employees and those who will operate radio and television stations and everything else your town will ever need.
4. They can learn to do just about anything with the proper instructions.
5.  Young people have lots of energy and strength. They can put in a full eight hours of maximum production and work overtime if necessary. They need the extra money.
6.  Young people must be mentored by one of the best employees you have. Older workers often take pride in being a coach for a young person.
7. The younger person may be able to give many years of productive service in your company or office. That will help build stability into your organization.
8.  It is important to not only hire a young person, but also to help them learn, get the necessary education and training to move on up the ladder with your firm. There is still room in the work place to begin as a stock boy and in 40 years own the company. A good corporation can have homegrown and home-trained leaders for years.
9. Young people have many friends in the area and that may attract customers and clients for your business.
10. Remember that somebody took a chance on you and gave you an opportunity to work. It is time to return the favor. Take an interest in the young talent around you.

Winston Churchill referred to those who work as "Soldiers with different weapons but the same courage." No matter what color your collar is, blue collar or white collar, all honest work is noble and necessary. You can always have a job if you want one. Your job may be looking for a job. Then when you find one, be willing to help others accomplish the same purpose. 

Be thankful for the privilege of working. Many find a spiritual connection in their work. The words of St. Paul have special meaning for them, "We are God's fellow workers …" (I Corinthians 3:9).