Workforce Center – Middle School

Explore careers

• Find out what you would enjoy and be good at through assessments, virtual job shadows and research. Visit the Career Exploration section below for more information.

Positive Attitude and Professionalism

• A positive attitude is a mental outlook of optimism and expecting good things to happen. People who possess this attitude are easier to get along with, are happy, and others enjoy working with them.

Professionalism

• The noun professionalism is usually used to describe the type of behavior you would expect from a professional person. For example, showing up to work on time, focusing on the task at hand, dressing appropriately, and not fighting with your coworkers (unless you're a professional wrestler).
• Things to avoid to make sure you are acting in a professional way:
  • Cussing and using slang
  • Being on your phone while working
  • Clothing that contains offensive, degrading, illegal or vulgar language and pictures
  • Clothing that does not appropriately cover your body or shows undergarments
  • Inappropriate, non-work related conversations with co-workers (others can hear you)
  • Employers typically will give you a handbook or some document to refer to let you know their specific rules and expectations

Making good life choices

• Keep in mind that choices you make now can have an impact on your future.
• Bad decisions can cause you to have a criminal record making it so employers will think it is a risk to hire you.
• Things you post on social media can be searched and found by employers. Does what your posting make you look like someone they want to hire?
• Be an active and engaged student! Get the best grades you can and be involved in groups and activities. This can be added as an “Accomplishments” section of your resume to impress employers

• Meeting with an Employment Specialist
  • (970) 248-7560 or [email protected] to ask questions or set an appointment
  • Speak with your school counselor
• Community Support

• Build your experience, resume and references by working for family and friends that you know and trust doing things like yard work, babysitting, pet sitting, etc.
• Volunteering can be a great first opportunity to try things out and show what you can do while making an impact on the community. Volunteer experience is a valuable addition to your resume and will look impressive to future employers. 

What employers are looking for

• Most employers in Mesa County do not hire anyone younger than 15.
• If you are 15 or younger and having a difficult time getting hired, don’t get discouraged! This is very normal at this age; instead focus on what you can do to build your skills and experience through non-paid work.
  • For your first job, expect to make minimum wage.

For more information on Youth Labor Law, Click Here.