Fewer Youths Seek Job Agency’s Help

Retail growth in Camarillo has done more than just give people new places to eat and shop, it’s also provided the town’s youth with an unprecedented amount of job opportunities.

Camarillo Youth Employment Service officials say that’s the main reason for a 22% decline in jobs requested by teenagers during the past six years. In 1990, the service had 2,419 requests for jobs--547 more than in 1996.

“We have very few 17- and 18-year-olds applying for jobs with us because they go out on their own and get jobs in the community,” said Barbara McHenry, program coordinator.

With more theaters, shopping malls, restaurants and warehouses popping up throughout Camarillo, the area’s youth don’t seem to need the employment service like they used to, McHenry said. The service offers a wide variety of jobs.

“It could be just moving a piece of furniture from one room to another or it could be a five-day-a-week child-care job,” said McHenry, adding that residents and businesses call her looking for people to do anything from gardening, housecleaning or tutoring to clerical, labor or business work.

Youths between 14 and 21 may register for jobs in the agency’s office at the Chamber of Commerce, 632 N. Las Posas Road. For information, call 482-0775.