WEST VALLEY CITY — Think young.

That's what state officials, led by Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., want Utah companies to do when considering hiring workers this summer.

The governor on Wednesday unveiled a program aiming to get companies to create 1,000 jobs for Utahns ages 14 through 21 by June 21 — the official start of summer — and 1,000 more thereafter as a way of "connecting our youth with Utah's economy."

"I'm a believer in the idea that with today's economy moving as it is in terms of job creation and therefore opportunities, we do have, in fact, an extraordinary opportunity to prepare more youth and mentor more lives than ever before," Huntsman said in announcing the program.

The Utah Department of Workforce Services has about 8,000 youths registered for work, including about 2,000 that are at-risk, he said.

"We could be talking about a youth summit, where we once again chronicle the travails of youth. Instead, we thought it was important to put people to work," Huntsman said.

A phone number, 1-888-920-WORK, will serve as a one-stop clearinghouse number for employers with openings or extra jobs this summer. DWS has 36 employment centers that match people with job opportunities, "but first and foremost, we've got to hear about those opportunities," he said.

The governor issued the job-creation challenge to "all businesses in every county in this state and in every industry." He said he was unsure what the results will be, although he expects rapidly growing industry sectors such as service, energy and construction to be major contributors.

With a robust economy featuring strong job creation and unemployment of 3.4 percent, "there should be a lot of opportunities for our youth at exactly these ages and stages in life. But we're going to put it to the test," Huntsman said.

He disagreed with any notion that hiring youths will put others out of potential employment. "I think in today's work environment, there are opportunities for all. That's what's unique about matching this kind of program with today's economic environment, that you've got a magic combination," he said.

Several young people at the program unveiling spoke about the advantages of gaining work early in life.

"It's a great way to teach responsibility, not only with your time but with your money," said Candis Short, 18, who has worked five months loading trucks at UPS. She said her job gives her an opportunity for advancement because she started at a young age and is learning about the company.

Shambre Murray, 21, has worked for three months as a patient service representative in the legal department at Intermountain Healthcare. She said young people have a great opportunity "not just to get any job out there" but to have a career.