Adolescents in the Workplace

Adolescents

Involvement in work-based learning are most likely out of their "comfort zone."
May seem shy or quiet, which adults might mistake for lack of interest, but really is not.
Need time to acclimate themselves to the workplace.
Are eager to show their ability to take on adult responsibilities successfully and meet real-world challenges.
Are defining their personalities and finding their places in the world.
May stay in their shell for the duration of the learning experience, but they are still gaining a great deal by having spent time at the workplace.

Early Adolescence

Ages 12 to 15
Grades 7 to 10

Early adolescence is a time when young people are looking for ways to understand the people they are becoming.

Frequently uneasy about trying new experiences
Anxious for peer approval
Eager for adult status and privileges but not adult responsibility
Primarily focusing on the present rather than the future
Sometimes unable to concentrate for long periods
Prone to generalizing and making strong value judgments
Learning to socialize with adults; interested in displaying their traits to adults other than parents

Late Adolescence

Ages 16 to 18
Grades 10 - 12

Late adolescence is a time when young people begin to define more clearly a sense of self and test their ideas and interests in the adult world.

Eager for opportunities to make decisions
Sometimes challenges authority
Very interested in physical appearance (their standards, not necessarily yours)
Want independence and privileges but possibly have trouble with responsibility and personal discipline
Feeling uneasy about the preparation for the future
Trying out different values; beginning to build personal philosophies
Highly sensitive to the reactions of adults and want respect
Likely to feel insecure in new settings with adults, though they may put on an air of confidence
Sometimes unable to concentrate for long periods
Lack self-direction
Most have part-time jobs
Underdeveloped time management skills
Involved in multiple activities

Information taken from Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory CONNECTIONS: Linking Work and Learning Series. Visit http://www.nwrel.org for more information.