Utah short of 1,000 jobs 'Just For Youth'

Earlier this month, Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. called on Utah companies to create 1,000 jobs for Utah's at-risk and disadvantaged youths. The deadline he set for the creation of those jobs was June 21.

As the deadline came and went Wednesday, 102 young people had been hired and another 322 jobs were created since June 7.

Huntsman unveiled the "Just For Youth" program on June 7, challenging local employers to step up and 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 when he announced the program.

Undaunted at the fractional response, Huntsman's spokesman Mike Mower said the program will continue. The state has referred 1,123 youths for those 322 openings. So, Mower said, more are likely to find work.

"We're optimistic," Mower said. "We've set a high goal, and we'll continue to work towards that. But we're very pleased that a goal has been set, and at this point 322 jobs are out there that weren't out there for our disadvantaged and at-risk youth who were seeking employment."

Employers can call 1-888-920-WORK, a one-stop clearinghouse number for companies with openings or extra jobs this summer. The Utah Department of Workforce Services has 36 employment centers that match people with job opportunities, and will coordinate the placement efforts. The department has registered about 8,000 youths, including 2,000 at-risk and disadvantaged, who are seeking work, according to department spokesman Curt Stewart.

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