The Mayor’s 100 is a campaign to identify 100 businesses to partner with the City of Grand Rapids to provide meaningful jobs for young people 15 to 24 years old. These are businesses who have agreed to help young men and women in Grand Rapids become part of the local economic mainstream by providing valuable work experience and in return, receiving valuable worker contribution to the bottom line at half the cost! The City of Grand Rapids and businesses would share 50/50 the cost of employing a young person for the summer or a 6 month job placement.
Q: What do I need to consider when hiring a person, age 15-24.
A: You must abide by the Michigan work requirements. A person under 18 years of age cannot be employed in, about, or in connection with an occupation which is hazardous or injurious to the minor’s health. Young people are resourceful and have a lot to offer. They can research, file, answer phones, provide good customer service, inventory, document testing methods, compile information, generate new ideas for design development, sell, type, test prototypes, market, implement communications, develop projects, run errands, complete paperwork, order supplies, caddy, and much more!
Q: How many hours are we expected to provide? And is this for five days a week?
A: Work experiences are flexible. Students o-en plan their schedules with the employer and around their classes when in school or college. Part-time experiences are between 10 and 20 hours per week. Once you identify a candidate you will need to discuss his/her availability and agree on a schedule that will work for both parties. You must comply with the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth Youth Employment standards. Minors cannot be employed during school hours and the combined hours of school and work cannot exceed 48 hours per week.
Q: What level of compensation is typical for a work experience?
A: Young people (15 to 17 years old ) receive $10 per hour and 18 to 24 year olds receive $13 per hour. You can offer any wage above the minimum, however, the City of Grand Rapids will compensate you up to 50% (includes withholdings).
Q: Is my organization responsible for providing insurance or benefits?
A: No, normally only full-time employees are eligible for benefits provided by the employer. Youth workers are short-term employees and are therefore ineligible.
Q: When does the Mayor’s 100 job experience typically begin? How long do they last?
A: Your commitment is to offer a summer employment experience or a 6 month of work experience. You can offer additional months beyond the Mayor’s 100 timeframe.
Q: When should I start looking for a youth applicant?
A: Youth applicants must complete their LEAD training prior to participating in an interview with a Mayor’s 100 business. The OCC Program Coordinator will contact the employer to assist with the interview schedule.
Q: What if my youth hire does not work out? Are there rules for terminating the same way as there are for full or part-ti’me positions?
A: Your youth worker should be treated as an employee and therefore the same laws apply. However, as you are participating in this program, you have a Program Coordinator who will work with you to help resolve any issues that may arise so the work experience is successful. It is important that the Program Coordinator be contacted as soon as there is evidence of an unacceptable pattern of behavior. There will be visits by the Program Coordinator at the sites.
