Ryan Molloy got a taste of the working world this summer — and he’s ready for more.
Molloy, about to start his freshman year at Emmett O’Brien Technical High School, worked this summer cleaning the First Selectman’s office in Seymour.
“Before, it was hard to get money because you have to go ask people. In this case, you get paid,” Molloy said. “I like it.”
Molloy and about 50 other Valley teenagers spent the summer getting work experience as part of the TEAM TEEN Works Summer Employment Program.
TEAM hosted a “Welcome to the World of Work” celebration on Tuesday at the Ansonia Boys & Girls Club clubhouse to conclude the program.
The teens, ages 14 to 19, worked 25 hours a week for six weeks at a variety of Valley businesses and government offices. The program is funded by a federal grant under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Their time working gave them a little extra spending money and a sample of what to expect once they get older. For many of the youngsters, it was their first foray into the working world.
“It’s their first taste of responsibility,” said Shannon Beach, TEAM’s Summer Employment Coordinator. “It gives these teens a chance to get their feet wet.”
Tuesday’s festivities featured a slideshow on what else they can expect as they get older, including job searching, preparing for interviews, working with others and learning about the taxes taken from their checks.
Bill Purcell, Executive Director of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, shared some of his initial work experience and suggested to kids to go out and work different jobs as a way of getting where they want to go.
“Often times, you don’t find out what you want to do in life until you find out what you don’t want to do,” he said.
Carol Pendagast, a human relations director from F.W. Serra in Shelton, told the kids to prepare for the jobs they seek and to continue learning as they get older.
“Have goals,” she said. “Never stop learning.”
Alex Smith, 17, of Ansonia, expects to continue working toward his goals. The Ansonia High School senior wants to pursue a career in fashion design. He’s enjoying the chance to work with younger children in the game room at the Boys & Girls Club, a job he held during the school year.
“I’m trying to own my own business,” he said.
Molloy said this first job would give him a better idea of what to expect once he looks for work beyond his high school years. For now, he’ll just enjoy the money he’s earned, which helped him buy a new paintball marker. He’s saving the rest of the money for the future.
“It’s hard work. But it’s worth it in the end,” he said. “You’re not going to be sitting around and doing nothing all day.”
