Building Work Skills, Fostering Life Skills
EMPLOYERS
Working at Discovery KidZone
Working at Fuel Fitness
Working at Intrepid Credit Union
Working at Discovery KidZone
Over 95% of host employers say:
* SJP Students positively contributed to their organization
* they want to participate as host employers again
Check out our Employer Resources. We compiled sample position description,
ideas for tasks, sample work plans,
and more!
Q: Why should I hire a student through the Summer Jobs Program (SJP)?
A: You can help develop the local future workforce! SJP provides the perfect opportunity to train future employees, strengthen the local economy, and support the community by creating a meaningful experience in the life of a young person. SJP will match you with a student who has expressed an interest in growing their work skills and has completed a work skills training offered by Helena College prior to the summer. Throughout the summer, the student will also meet with a mentor to strengthen the student’s professional and personal development.
SJP cannot guarantee each host employer will be matched with a student applicant, due to applicant availability or qualifications.
Q: What are my responsibilities as a SJP Host Employer?
A: Identify a supervisor to provide training, guidance, and feedback to the student
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Attend an hour-long orientation session
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Where possible, identify a mentor (not the student’s supervisor) within the organization that can attend an SJP training and meet with the student throughout the summer
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Conduct a pre-placement interview with prospective employee
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Provide background checks, drug tests, orientation and/or job-specific training as required
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Complete two work skills evaluations with student during the summer
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Complete two program evaluations during the summer
Q: How are students matched with employers?
A: We match students and positions based on employer needs and student skills and interests.
Q: Who pays for the student’s wage?
A: You will hire the student and they will be on your payroll and insurance like any other employee.
Q: Do I get to interview the student before I hire them?
A: Yes, we highly encourage you to interview the SJP student participant to confirm at good fit for your needs.
Q: Do SJP students work part-time or full-time?
A: You can offer either a part-time or full-time position, whichever meets your needs. We ask that employers offer a minimum of 25 hours/week for at least 6 weeks for a minimum of 150 hours. Most employers offer 8-10 weeks of work.
Q: Can the student work for us beyond the summer?
A: Yes, you are welcome to continue to employ the student beyond the summer months if it is mutually agreeable for you and the student. In fact, in 2022 45% of students continued working for their employer after the program ended.
What is the timeline of the program?
A: February through early April - Students apply and interview with the SJP committee
April - the SJP committee matches student participants with available positions
Late April to Early May - Employers interview students and confirm a good fit
April & May - Students complete work skills training; SJP mentors complete orientation
early June - Students begin working at their position
Q: What if I am not sure what a position for high school students looks like?
A: Check out our Employer Resources. We compiled sample job and intern position description, ideas for tasks, sample work plans, and more!
Q: How is hiring a student through the Summer Jobs Program different than hiring another employee?
A: Our partner employers offer work experiences and a work environment designed to support students as they develop their employability skills and think about their career options. Supervisors provide quality on-the-job training, regular feedback to help students understand what they are doing well and where they can improve, and are intentional about helping the SJP student understand how their work fits into and positively impacts the organization and its clients. The program is more than "just a summer job" for our students. Additionally students receive a work skills training, certified through Helena College.
Student participants have the option of taking tuition-free college courses over the summer to continue to grow their skills: a 1-credit Work Skills and Interpersonal Communication course through Miles City Community College or a 3-credit Interpersonal Skills in the Workplace course through Helena College. The courses are offered remotely to students anywhere in Montana.
Q: Who do I talk to if I have questions or concerns?
A: You can contact Gabrielle at 406-490-4954 or gerowley@americanjobs4youth.org. You can also call your local program coordinator.
Thank you for your interest in becoming a host employer!
Check back in January 2024 for next year's application.
Partner Summer Jobs Program Employers say:
"I gained some wonderful councilors through the program."
- Kait Perrodin, City of Helena Parks & Recreation
"[Participating in HSJP] was a terrific experience and additional resource."
- John Doran, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana
"Our student is staying on with us until January when she heads off to college. She has been an exceptional placement. Thank you!!!!"
- Michelle Robinson, Sage & Oats Trading Post
"It was a good way to find willing employees and develop our mentor program in the store."
- Ed Beall, Capital Sports
"[HSJP is a ] very rewarding investment by the employer."
- Brock Tessman, OCHE, Montana University System
"What I hear most as an employer, a Chamber of Commerce Board Member and a consumer in Helena, is the frustration with a lack of workforce. Often, openings for jobs are posted for weeks before we get any applicants at all. As a customer based business, it is important for me to have staff to serve our guests and the Helena Summer Jobs Program provided me with that opportunity. Being involved in the Helena Summer Jobs Program was a game changer this summer. Not only did we get to work with two amazing young people, but it opened up training opportunities for our other staff members. The energy and positivity the students brought to our workplace created a space that made us all better and we are so lucky to have participated in the program. For me, personally, the program not only provided me with a chance to share an industry that has been near and dear to my heart since I was 15 but also a chance to work with kids who had fire in their belly and wanted to improve every day. It was inspiring! I am so grateful to the Helena Summer Jobs Program for an amazing and successful summer and can’t wait to participate again."
- Callie Aschim, Home2 Suites by Hilton Helena
"We utilized our high school intern students last summer to help us create 3D visual representations of two existing buildings and one redevelopment sites within Helena. Those designs have continued to be useful for us as we work with existing owners and potential new owners. The students’ work has helped us provide a better package of what’s available in our real estate market for potential buyers. We’re looking forward to continuing to work with the summer jobs program."
- Brian Obert, MBAC