Passing of a rite

Graduates looking for work over the summer will face the worst job market in almost two decades, a state economist said.

“The chances for both high school and college students are not as good as in recent years,” Virginia Employment Commission chief economist Bill Mezger said.

The retail, construction and service industries will offer some opportunities, he said.

Despite the economic portents, the co-owner of a Verona staffing agency said there are some encouraging signs for summer jobs for college students.

“I see a slight uptick in the market place,” said Thomas Jorgensen, co-owner of The Bradford Company.

Landscaping and manufacturing jobs are opening up, he said.

The number of opportunities for Mary Baldwin College students in the area are down this year, said Julie Chappell, director of career development at the Staunton college.

Typically, Chappell said students can be placed at downtown Staunton businesses and those along Richmond Road and on-campus.

The on-campus opportunities are fewer this year because of tighter college budgets, but there are jobs in admissions and the college’s Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership office.

Chappell said one lesson her office offers students is that work experiences can be important whether they are paid or unpaid, and whether the jobs are in fast food or retail.

She said students “can convey the skills” they learn in fast food and retail jobs on a resume and transfer those skills to their next job.

“You are exploring the world of work,” Chappell said. “You get a better understanding of your likes and dislikes and you learn valuable skills on how to take supervision, work as a team and multi-task.”

The sluggish economy has contributed to additional funds for one summer job program for an area agency.

The Central Shenandoah Valley Office on Youth said $50,000 in federal stimulus money will enable the agency to hire 25 more people ages 14-24 for its summer youth employment program.

Office on Youth Director Carol Blair said the program allows young people who have disabilities, fall below the poverty line or are foster children to work six weeks during the summer for 28 to 32 hours a week.

“We will be able to help benefit some kids through the stimulus money who need it the most,” Blair said.

Referrals come from area schools and social service agencies, she said.