Employers looking for summer employees, but some teens just aren't applying

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – Employers are on the hunt for summer employees, but you might be surprised to hear lots of students just aren’t applying for them.

MooSa’s officially opened Friday. They’ve been getting lots of teens who are interested in working for the new business along Milwaukee’s lakefront.

“I’m shocked we’re getting applications every day, I have a listing on Facebook. I think the kids want to be on the lake. It’s a beautiful view. Every day you come to work and you’re on the beach,” Nas Musa said.

But, that’s not the case for lots of other employers. A 2018 Pew Research report found only 35 percent of teens from 16-19 years old had a paid position over the summer. That’s compared to 51 percent in 2000.

Milwaukee County is seeing the issue first hand as pools have reduced hours this summer and one pool won’t be opening for the season because they don’t have enough lifeguards. The Milwaukee County Parks Director said ideally they’d have 300, but they only have 131 this summer.

As for MooSa’s, they’re just looking for positive employees who will brighten their customer’s days.

“If you’ve got a good attitude, we can work on everything else. Attitude and reliability is definitely a big thing for us,” Musa said.