Finding summer jobs for teens getting harder - Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5

According to the outplacement firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas, American teenagers are landing summer jobs at their highest rate since 2006. Their report says among 16 to 19 year olds, 157,000 them found employment in the month of May. That's more than double the number of jobs taken by teens a year ago.

While the national summer job outlook is on the upswing, the summer employment outlook for Georgia teens is not good. One state employment officials says your teen's search for work may be futile.

For years, getting a summer job was not that difficult. Metro Atlanta teens could count on working at places like Six Flags Over Georgia or White Water Park.

"Between both of the parks, we have about 900-1000 on any given day. We hire about 2,400 seasonal employees every year between both of the parks," said Brad Malone of Six Flags Over Georgia.

That is no longer the case. Officials with the Department of Labor say summer job availability is currently on a downward swing.

"Even though the economy is improving, for kids it's not improving as much," said Wayne Mack of the Georgia Department of Labor

In 2008, the unemployment rate for Georgia teens ages 16-19 was 22 percent. In 2011, the rate was up to 29 percent. Experts say the reason is adults are now snagging jobs that would traditionally go to kids.

According to Mack, also affecting the teen job outlook is what some are calling a "do it yourself society." At one time, some teens could count on jobs such as pumping gas or bagging groceries. Now people are mostly doing that themselves.

Mack says a shortage in government funding for teen work programs is also to blame. But some teens have been fortunate.

Every summer, Atlanta Workforce Development hires teens for their summer work program. Though they're hiring a lot less than in previous years, teens like Quinte Isaac and Nzinga Reid say they're gaining valuable skills.

"Customer service, like speaking with people, knowing how to talk, how to come to work dress ready," said Quinte Issac.

"I love learning and I'm learning something new literally everyday," said Nzinga Reid.

Experts say it's late in the season for teens to try to get hired now, so they suggest volunteering, internships or apprenticeships.

"It can't always be about the mighty dollar anymore. It's got to be about how can I get my foot in the door and then showcase what I do have," said Mack.

Two years ago, Atlanta Workforce Development were able to hire about 1,600 teens during the summer. This year, they were only able to hire about 700. However, Six Flag officials say it's not too late to apply for work there.