Young people looking for summer employment will find a number of organizations offering jobs and training for youth ages 14 to 22. Those under 18 must obtain a work permit from their schools. Space may be limited in some programs, so apply early. Following find a sampling of what is offered.
* The City of Los Angeles will have jobs for youth 14 to 24 years old through Hire L.A. Youth. The employment for 14 to 15 year olds is open to low-income youth (proof is required) while jobs for 18 to 24 year olds is not income based. To start the process, students may call 311 and tell the operator your address to find out the nearest nonprofit agency that is working with the city to process applications. Young people attend a three-hour job readiness workshop and orientation.
After finishing, they will obtain a certificate of completion to show to employers. Youth will work 120 hours making minimum wage throughout July and August.In addition to this program, juniors and seniors in the Los Angeles Unified School District who have not passed the high exit exam, can participate in the Learn and Earn program where they attend class in the morning and work in the afternoon. For more information about the Hire L.A. Youth programs contact the work experience counselor at your school.
* The Inglewood One-Stop Center will help low-income youth 14-21 who live in El Segundo, Hawthorne, Inglewood and Lawndale obtain summer employment. Pay is minimum wage and youngsters work 125-160 hours for the months of July and August. For more information, call (310) 680-3700.
* Trinity Baptist Church holds an employment program for 14 to 22 year olds. Twenty to 30 youth can expect to be placed in jobs depending on employer participation. In order to obtain employment, youth must attend a job readiness workshop every Tuesday in June from 6 to 8 p.m. Jobs begin in July and run through August. For more information, call (323) 735-0044. The church is located at 2040 W. Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles.
* Wild Rivers in Irvine expects to hire 1,000 people ages 14 and older. Younger students can work as cashiers and park maintenance. Beginning at age 15, youngsters can be lifeguards (Red Cross certification classes are offered at the park); and 16 year olds can work as ride attendants. For more information, go to the web site www.wildrivers.com.
* Knotts Berry Farm in Buena Park will hire more than 1,000 workers 16 and older for the theme park, hotel, restaurants and the water park. The summer season begins in mid June and operates through Labor Day. Pay is typically minimum wage, and applications can be submitted at the park weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Located 8039 Beach Blvd. For more details, call (714) 99-Knott or visit the web site www.knotts.com.
* Disneyland, which has a workforce of about 20,000 people, hires youth 17 and older for summer part time and seaonoanl work in the theme park, hotel, restaurants as well as working as one of the characters who stroll the park. Pay is $9.05 unless the job features tips (in this case pay is minimum wage), and employees are eligible for perks including complimentary tickets to the park, discounts on merchandise and more. Jobs include custodial, guest relations, food and retail positions, hotel positions and more. For information, call the job hotline at (800) 766-0888 or visit the web site www.disneyland.jobs. Those interested in working as a character can attend an audition June 14. Start by completing an application at www.disneyaudition.com. To apply for any of the jobs, you can also visit the park casting office at 700 W. Ball Road, Anaheim.
* Universal Studios Hollywood hires youth ages 16 and older to work during its summer season which runs through Sept. 1. Youth under age 18 work as food attendants, in the retail locations as well as in park maintenance and directing traffic. Youngsters typically need to be able to work 40 hours per week, and some flexibility is granted, if you are attending school. Applications can be submitted weekdays in the office above Abercrombie and Fitch at City Wall, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can also call (818) 622-3863. The process begins by submitting an application. Those selected participate in a phone interview. If that goes well, candidates are invited in for a group interview, and then comes a one-on-one interview with a manager from the department interested in hiring you.
* The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 11, has a summer helper program for young people 18 and older. This pre-apprenticeship as-needed program pays $13 per hour, and it can put you on the path obtaining IBEW apprenticeship. Interested individuals must apply in person every Friday at 1 p.m. at 6023 S. Garfield Ave., and should bring a photo identification and social security card. Prior misdemeanors or felonies are not barriers to being hired.
* Holman United Church and its economic development corporation will provide summer employment to youth for the sixth consecutive year, and the deadline for young people to submit an application is May 9. The program is open to youth ages 14 to 18, and consists of a combination of work and career education. Students will work 22 hours per week from July 7 through Aug. 22 , which includes two-hours weekly of job readiness, resume writing, and career planning and development. Applications are available at the church weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 3320 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, or call (323) 731-7285.
Other places to consider include Pacific Park in Santa Monica, (310) 260-8744; Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia-human resources at (661) 255-4801 or www.sixflags.com/magicmountain/jobs; Scandia in Ontario, (909) 390-3092; Adventure City in Anaheim, (714) 236-9300; Raging Waters in San Dimas, (909) 802-2200; Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament, Buena Park, (888) We Joust; American Camp Association, www.acacamps.org.
