About 252,500 Michiganders ages 16 to 19 are expected to participate in the labor market this summer, with more than 207,000 projected to be employed, according to the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget.

Industries employing the teens include retail, hospitality, food service and recreation, among others.

Employers have an opportunity to do more than fill seasonal positions, Susan Corbin, director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, says in a news release. By creating meaningful early career opportunities for young workers, employers can help strengthen the future talent pipeline, support long-term workforce growth and encourage more young people to build their careers and their futures in Michigan.

“Our young people have a big impact on our economy, and we want to make sure they have the tools they need to be successful from day one on the job,” Corbin said in the release. “When employers invest in young workers, they are investing in Michigan’s future workforce — creating opportunities for young people to gain valuable experience, build in-demand skills and become the next generation of talent our employers need to thrive.”

For many young people, a first job is their introduction to the world of work and a pivotal moment in developing skills, confidence and direction. When employers create meaningful opportunities for youth, they help them discover career pathways, gain hands-on experience and explore industries they may not have otherwise considered.

The state offers a number of resources to help both employees and employers as young people enter the workforce.

To support their career planning, youth are encouraged to explore Pathfinder at https://pathfinder.mitalent.org/. This is a free online resource for career and education exploration. By using current labor market trends, wage data and education metrics, Pathfinder helps young people build personalized roadmaps that connect them with career and education opportunities.

Michigan Works! Agencies play an important role in connecting employers with young talent while helping youth prepare for employment through resume assistance, interview preparation, career coaching and job placement support.

Through programs like Young Professionals and career exploration and experience events, LEO’s Michigan Works! partners help young people build workforce readiness, transferable skills and long-term career pathways. During the program year that ended June 2025, Michigan Works! Agencies hosted 27 large-scale career exploration and experience events throughout the state, with more than 51,400 students and about 1,100 employers participating.

To further support youth employment opportunities, LEO recently launched the Youth Workers’ Rights Initiative, a statewide effort designed to help young Michiganders better understand workplace safety, wage protections, worker rights and how to successfully navigate their first jobs.

To learn more about youth employment resources, go to Michigan.gov/YouthEmployment.

Wisconsin provides youth employment information at https://www.wisconsinjobcenter.org/lookforjobs/youth.htm.