Watch: Employing the Capital City

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — The hunt is on, as recent grads and students on summer break vie for part and full time employment

On Tuesday the Columbia Police Department and Mayor Benjamin were in the community passing out applications for the Urban League’s Summer Work Experience Leadership Program.

CPD is one of many entities city wide participating in this program hoping to teach important skills and prevent problems among the you.

Columbia Police officers are hitting the streets and rallying recruits.

Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook explains, “We know idle time is sometimes can lead to people getting into mischief and going down the wrong path. This is an opportunity for us to interact in a positive way.”

In addition to combating crime, the program provides participating youth with work skills and experience.

Both are qualities Tom Halasz, with USC’s career center, says are critical when looking for work.

He tells ABC Columbia, “To get a job you need a job and to do that you need to get experience.”

Halasz says, the summer’s differing job climate provides a prime opportunity to gain necessary skills.

He adds, “Employers are looking for part time employees and traditionally are held during the summer as well. Employers need to augment their workforce because they have employees who are taking vacation.”

According to Halasz the career center has seen a 200% increase in part-time employment since 2008.

While, Columbia’s rebounding job market creates a favorable climate for work searching, there are still challenges.

“The job market is good however it is very very competitive. Employers are requiring a great deal from the applicants and those that they hire. The jobs are not just there to be had.”

Standards that make each and every opportunity essential.