Join us for our annual work week - a summer job fair in Edwards April 2 and in Gypsum April 4

Work week is coming to Eagle County in April. The Colorado Workforce Center along with the Eagle County Collaborative for Career Pathways (Vail Valley Partnership, YouthPower 365, and Eagle County School District), and Mountain Recreation are excited to bring a unique job fair. This event will be targeting high school and seasonal workers as we prepare for the summer season. 

What exactly is work week? It’s an opportunity for local businesses to hire for summer positions, and an opportunity for local youth and seasonal employees to find summer work. Why is summer work important for high school students, and why is it important to find summer job opportunities for seasonal employees?

Summer jobs provide teenagers with their first taste of financial independence. Earning their own money teaches them valuable lessons about budgeting, saving, and responsible spending. These jobs offer teenagers the opportunity to gain valuable work experience, which can be beneficial for their future careers. They learn about punctuality, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and other essential workplace skills.

Summer work provides an excellent platform for networking with professionals in the field. Students establish valuable connections, build relationships, and learn from experienced mentors or colleagues. These networks can later facilitate job opportunities or collaborations and teach workplace responsibilities and expectations. Summer jobs also allow teenagers and seasonal workers to explore different career paths and industries.

Work helps our teens discover their interests, strengths, and weaknesses, helping them make more informed decisions about their future careers. They also gain self-confidence and a sense of responsibility as they navigate real work environments, contribute to projects, and interact with co-workers.

Balancing work, school, and personal life during the summer teaches teenagers valuable time management skills. They learn to prioritize tasks and manage their schedules effectively, which is crucial for success in both academics and future careers. Completing a summer job can boost teenagers' confidence and self-esteem. It gives them a sense of accomplishment and empowers them to tackle new challenges with resilience.

The benefits are not limited to students. Future employers highly value work-based learning experiences on resumes. Practical work experience demonstrates to potential employers that a student or seasonal staff have the skills, knowledge, and initiative to succeed in a new professional setting. Work-based learning significantly enhances one's employability and opens doors to better job prospects in the future.

Employing local teenagers can help further enhance a business's relationship with the community. It demonstrates a commitment to supporting youth development and economic growth and businesses can receive community recognition for investing in the future workforce by providing valuable opportunities for youth employment.

The business benefits extend beyond future employers. Hiring teenagers benefit businesses today, as teens often require lower wages compared to experienced adults, making them a cost-effective option for businesses, especially those with limited budgets. Teens generally have more flexibility with their schedules during the summer months, allowing businesses to fill part-time or seasonal positions more easily. Given our low unemployment and high workforce participation rates, teens are typically filling jobs that would otherwise remain open.

Summer jobs play a crucial role in the personal and professional development of teenagers, equipping them with essential skills and experiences that will benefit them throughout their lives. Join us on Tuesday, April 2 at Edwards Field House and/or Tuesday, April 4 at Gypsum Recreation Center from 2:00 pm-6:00 pm.

Employers are encouraged to seek applicants for both seasonal and permanent jobs. Attendees will include job seekers from the school district aged 14+ as well as the public. We hope to see you in Edwards or Gypsum in April!

Chris Romer is president & CEO of Vail Valley Partnership, the regional chamber of commerce. Learn more at VailValleyPartnership.com