Empower our youngest WA workers but they need to be safe | Opinion
Working a part-time job as a student can provide benefits far beyond a paycheck; it can teach time management, responsibility, teamwork, and communication skills that will pay lifelong dividends.
I’ve seen first-hand – as a mother of four – how a job can foster self-reliance and empower teenagers to make informed decisions, manage their finances, and learn about different industries and career paths.
Prior to the 2024 legislative session, I heard from frustrated parents, educators, and advocates about how difficult it is to get a job as a high school student in Washington.
Even eager 16- and 17-year-olds with technical training are struggling to find employment in the Evergreen State. I sponsored House Bill 2406 to get to the bottom of this problem and help our students gain access to employment opportunities.
This bill proposed the formation of a task force comprising local skills centers, labor representatives, schools, private industry groups, and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).
Its purpose was clear: to address the puzzling issue of why our 16- and 17-year-old students, particularly those enrolled in Career and Technical Education (CTE) or Skill Center programs, encounter obstacles when seeking employment.
It was about empowering our youth early on, setting them on trajectories of success.
The Tri-Cities are a microcosm of this larger challenge. Here, students graduating from programs like the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course at local skill centers earn state licenses at the age of 16 or 17.
These young folks possess tangible skills and certifications vital to industries such as construction, electrical work, automotive, and healthcare. Yet, despite their qualifications, they often face reluctance from employers, leaving them stranded in a job market that should eagerly embrace their skills.
The proposed task force would have scrutinized the systemic barriers preventing our youth from accessing roles that not only match their skills, but also addressed critical gaps in key sectors of our economy.
At the same time, we must keep important child labor safeguards in place to protect the well-being of kids and ensure that they aren’t working too many hours during the school year.
Simplifying the processes for young workers to enter these fields would not only benefit them personally, but also enhance the resilience and growth of our communities.
The absence of a public hearing for House Bill 2406 represents a missed opportunity for real change. This bill was about dismantling age-related employment barriers and creating pathways that nurture talent and ambition from a young age.
The task force would have been a forum for collaboration, innovation, and action — a chance to bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring that our youth don’t just dream of a brighter future but actively shape it.
The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) recently announced that they are seeking feedback on a draft administrative policy on the employment of minors.
This policy guides scheduling and hours of work requirements for minors, aligning with current laws and rules while providing more detailed guidance. This presents a valuable opportunity to share any concerns regarding limitations and restrictions on the days, times, and hours that minors may work.
Those interested can submit written comments to L&I through May 31.
During the interim, I plan to continue working on this issue and partnering with students, educators, and employers on solutions.
Our young people deserve better — they deserve the opportunity to thrive, learn, and contribute meaningfully to our state’s economy.
Rep. April Connors is in her first term serving Washington’s 8th District.
