Arlington Hts. teen job fair hopes for larger business presence

The Arlington Heights Youth Commission is teaming up with the Arlington Heights Memorial Library for the village's second annual Teen Job Fair, and officials are hoping this one draws interest from more employers than the first.

Nearly 300 teens attended last year's fair looking for jobs, but only 10 employers showed up. So far seven businesses have signed up for this year's event, and Youth Commissioner and Teen Librarian Tom Spicer said he hopes to have 20 employers committed by the time the fair takes place March 8.

“The goal is to offer a great resource for teens in the Arlington Heights community and also support our businesses,” Spicer said.

So far registered businesses include Jewel, the park district, library and a lawn maintenance company. Spicer said they also will be inviting the village public works department and other grocers.

Between 30 and 40 students obtained summer employment through the 2013 job fair, said John Robinson, youth commissioner and supervisor of recreation at the Arlington Heights Park District.

“This gives teens an avenue to know what jobs are out there. Instead of having to go door-to-door, all the businesses are in one location for them,” Robinson said.

Organizers likely will be accepting business registrations up until the week of the event, Robinson said. Businesses interested in participating can contact him at jrobinson@ahpd.org.

Spicer said it was difficult to get businesses involved last year because it was a first-time event and many were still feeling the impact of the economic downturn.

“What we realized is we've got the teens interested, now we need to get more businesses involved,” Spicer said.

The fair is free to teens. Spicer encouraged them to come early because it could be a crowded.

“It looks good on college applications and resumes to have real world work experience, plus it never hurts to have a couple extra dollars in your pocket as a teenager,” Spicer said.

The Teen Job Fair will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 8 at the library, 500 N. Dunton Ave.