Tough for Teens Finding Work: Stats

New numbers show the challenges teenagers face when finding work.

While the nation's average unemployment rate in 2011was 9 percent, the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics said it was almost 25 percent for job-seekers between 16 and 19 years old. That's up 10 percentage points from a decade ago.

Experts said many of the entry-level positions once sought primarily by teens are being nabbed by older people who need the paycheck.

Automation has also eliminated many jobs at traditionally teen-friendly employers like car washes, photocopy shops and supermarkets.

Participants at a forum on Tuesday in Hartford said the trend is alarming, and society suffers when an entire generation's chance to learn workplace skills are delayed or denied.

The Connecticut Commission on Children and the Connecticut Workforce Development Council hosted the public forum.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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